Marcy and Ron R.

We did have the “trip of a lifetime”! Everything went so smoothly that we just relaxed and enjoyed our fabulous trip. The hotels were perfect, and exploring Peru and Ecuador was fabulous. Thank you so much for all of your recommendations and the obvious coordination that went into planning our trip. If we can recommend your services, it would be our pleasure!

It's hard to describe the Galapagos unless you go there! It is a trip that I hope my children and grandchildren can make in their lifetime. It truly is amazing to walk past mammals, reptiles, and birds that are unafraid of humans. The snorkeling was amazing, who wouldn't want to swim with playful, inquisitive sea lions? The guides were all excellent and very knowledgeable about mammals, birds, reptiles, trees, plants, flowers, and of course the very interesting history of the area. We were happy we accepted your suggestions about side trips, specifically Hacienda Zuleta! Our experience planning with ExpeditionTrips was superb.

1-3-3-12

John B.

Exceeded my expectations by far. Peru is a must visit country—what an adventure! The help and support from ET was outstanding and made us feel very special. ExpeditionTrips has it totally together, and are very well organized.

1-3-2-9

Sue P.

We had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The trip was terrific and we were amazed at how close we could get to the wildlife. I think seeing the giant tortoises, and swimming with the sea turtles were two special moments.
The staff/crew were fabulous, very professional, very friendly, kind and caring. We always felt we were in good hands. The guides made sure we got to see the sights, they were knowledgeable, and likewise made sure we were safe.

I was so grateful at how patiently ExpeditionTrips answered all my questions and alleviated my concerns. You helped us make sure we were completely prepared for our trip. Even down to the suggestions for what to bring and what to tip - all so very helpful. I also appreciated how you helped us with day trips in Quito.

1-3-2-19

Marina L.

The trip was amazing. The Peru section was covered by very knowledgeable and pleasant guides. I saw and learned more than I expected. Lodging was wonderful in each location, and so was the food. This trip surpassed my expectations.

Liz F.

Beyond our expectations - the best trip we have taken! The guides were well informed and funny. The service was superlative. Jennifer, Abby and Lorraine all delivered over and above expectations. Nice personal touch.

1-3-2-14

Dave G

Fantastic! Loved the first class service, the ship, the daily activities, getting to know the fellow passengers and the entire crew and naturalists. The trip exceeded my expectations. It was wonderful to share the experiences with my wife and additional family members.

1-3-2-31

Roberta M.

Our trip was very enjoyable. The ship surpassed our expectations. The staff and nature guides were professional, very knowledgeable, and accommodating to individual needs. The food and service was great. Most enjoyable for us was the wild life especially the Blue-footed Boobies.

1-3-2-20

Linda E.

We had our 3 grand daughters with us. It was their first adventure trip. They thrived and wanted to take part in EVERY outing. It was so rewarding to watch them learning and experiencing.
The planning phase was easy, efficient and thorough. Thank you for making the planning for 7 (two families) as easy as possible.

The naturalists were very personable and educated, the wait staff and others were outstanding and very attentive. The Dining Captain made sure that our dietary restrictions were met even providing GF appetizers during the cocktail hours.

1-3-2-35

Robert J.

The naturalists dedication to the Islands is edifying and inspiring. Very, very, good: punctual, efficient, and of good cheer. My expectations were met since I have studied various aspects of the Galapagos.

It is not easy putting one's mind about a trip to the Galapagos. But questions and doubts were dealt with by the ET staff and their assurances were well founded.

Sharon C.

Trip was excellent! Highlight was seeing so many animals endemic to Galapagos: the face of the red-footed booby, the feet of the blue-footed booby, standing next to a sand covered sea lion pup, walking with giant tortoises, hearing and seeing great frigate birds in full mating array and the beauty of red-billed tropicbirds. I could just go on and on...

Service overall was outstanding in all facets of the trip. Our guides were exceptional, all were incredibly knowledgeable and incredibly patient - even when asked the same questions over and over again. The drivers and ship staff and crew were skillful, friendly, and careful. The ship was well equipped and well maintained and all staff were welcoming and helpful at all times.

1-3-5-51

Dennis S.

The trip was terrific. In a short period of time, we got an incredibly varied and rich introduction to the Peruvian Amazon. It was extremely well organized and very efficiently conducted. The schedules for each day's activities were well thought out with a lot of variety built into the schedule. The small boat trips we made each day to spot wildlife were easily the most memorable together with the terrific spotting ability of both the guides and the motor operators so we could see and identify what we observed. It was also a nice touch at the end of the boat trip to go over with a map and bird list checking off all the places we stopped and what we saw and did. I really liked the two times we did early morning excursions before breakfast.

I thought the service was excellent. All of our naturalist guides were very knowledgeable about the areas we visited and very generous in sharing this knowledge. In particular, I thought Julio Parano was an excellent spotter of the local birds and other wildlife and very accommodating to the needs of his guests as well as being a terrific announcer at our evening band concert. It was nice that the guides addressed us by our names and treated us as individuals which is definitely not always the case on some tours.

1-3-5-50

Betty S.

If I have to choose the most memorable part of the expedition, I'd say that my greatest thrill was seeing the abundant wildlife that our knowledgeable and keen-eyed naturalists helped us to find: a hundred plus bird species, nine kinds of monkeys, twelve kinds of frogs, sloths, snakes, caimans, lizards and more. Pink and gray dolphins appeared on all the waterways we traversed. The trip far exceeded my expectations. It wasn't even as hot and buggy as I had expected in the tropics.

Thanks to our expedition leader, Renzo Zeppilli, and the crew of the Estrella Amazonica, the whole trip was incredibly well organized. The crew was consistently friendly and helpful - truthfully, we were spoiled. The food was great - especially plentiful in fish and fruit. Our naturalists, Julio Parana and Segundo Mesia, were great spotters and explainers. Segundo told mesmerizing tales; Julio displayed his keen sense of humor as the MC for the happy-hour musicians (talented members of the crew) and beautifully organized our interaction with school children on our visit to a village.

1-3-2-38

Ken C.

I was extremely busy while I was booking the trip. Chris and the team did a great job of ensuring that everything was taken care of for me and made sure that everything was properly completed and the trip went off without any hitches. While the trip was a little more structured than I would have liked, the interaction with the wildlife was unforgettable. We got very up close and personal with sea lions, boobies, fur seals, tortoises, albatross, iguanas, sharks, and many other varieties of birds and fish. The access to the wildlife and the beauty of the beaches, the water, and the landscape made this an extremely remarkable and memorable trip.
The guides were extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. They helped to create a real learning experience, knew where to go to see things, and were available throughout the cruise to answer questions and provide insight.

1-3-5-36

Jean C.

ExpeditionTrips anticipated our needs and questions, kept us informed and on track throughout the planning. Remembering that we were celebrating a 50th anniversary was special. The trip was beyond expectation. It made us forget about the expense and appreciate the level of service, the beautiful ship, expert and friendly guides, excursions on the fly, interaction with villagers, and the birds, monkeys and frogs!!

Richard W.

ExpeditionTrips was excellent. They were on top of all requests; as well as making sure all documents were in place when required. Every moment of the expedition was as wonderful and exciting as I dreamed. Passengers were so easy to gain as friends; and the crew and guides knew what they were doing for all of us. We can only say that as a bucket list trip, it was one of the best!

1-3-4-103

Mary M.

Marvelous trip. The staff and guides were very knowledgeable and with good humor. One of the most memorable parts was going down the Panama Canal at night. We saw the most birds and other wildlife at the private Botanical Gardens.

Joy and Marybeth did an excellent joy in helping me plan the trip. Everything went as planned and far exceeded my expectations. I wish they had been on the trip.

1-3-2-86

Jack S.

ExpeditionTrips found me good options last minute and everything went as planned. I can't ask for any more. Excellent trip (Western and Northern Galápagos back to back), every day was different with a variety of hiking and boat rides in the inflatables. Especially enjoyed seeing plenty of the species endemic to the Galápagos, my favorite being the marine iguanas. Service was great, everything was well organized and the guides seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs. The guides explained everything in length during the hikes.

Linda M.

Our trip was planned very last minute (3-4 weeks before departure) and yet we were able to get a good cabin and all the information we needed for a successful trip.

The trip was excellent. Although I have seen many photos of animals and heard many stories about others' trips to the Galapagos, being there made me appreciate the varied environments and ecosystems in a first-hand way. Being able to "talk to" the animals close-up was better than seeing them in a photo!

The staff and naturalists aboard the Eclipse were experienced and knowledgeable. They were helpful with physical tasks, such as boarding and disembarking from the panga, and answering questions as we explored. They were available for additional discussions on board and prepared excellent previews of our daily expeditions, as well as background information on geology and history.

1-3-2-66

Joanne C.

Amazing, beyond all expectations! You will not be the same when you return. This trip was fully entrancing from the start and I did not want to leave! Just that short time fully immersed in nature and all things wild will change your perspective on life. Galapagos was very moving, raw and beautiful. I traveled on the Eclipse and it was first class all the way. The staff and service were top notch. The food was the best I've ever eaten. So fresh and well prepared, plenty of choices, all excellent ones!

We had three naturalist guides on our boat and they were all excellent, well-educated and well-versed in everything Galapagos and then some. The evening seminars were very informative and as were the hikes. The ship, the sites, and the staff all exceeded my expectations.

Dolly H.

The trip was great! The on board travel through the Panama Canal was very informative and a great way to get to know the people we were traveling with. Staff on board ship were excellent and very accommodating. The guides were very knowledgeable and answered all kinds of questions. The trip overland was a remarkable way to get to know Costa Rica and the tropical rain forest. The accommodations just kept getting better and better.

Warner H.

From the early planning stage through to the end, Abby and Jennifer were most helpful. Keep up the excellent work! Our National Geographic Galapagos trip aboard the Islander was fantastic - it exceeded our high expectations! Everything was memorable, from the sea lions, to the blue footed boobies, to the interesting geography. The naturalists were very informative and helpful. They made the excursion a great success!

1-3-5-53

Barbara Ann M.

This trip exceeded our expectations! On our personal "enjoyability" scale, we compare it to our trips to Galapagos and Antarctica. Our Expedition Trips contact, Joy Martinello, is quite knowledgeable and her responses to our many questions were always timely. We very much enjoyed working with her.

Absolutely outstanding! It is hard to pick from such wonderful outings as to which was most memorable: piranha fishing, frog hunting, a visit to a shaman, swimming in the Amazon, kayaking, bird watching, a sunset visit to a lake with giant lily pads, a baby cayman and a large hairy tarantula, and a visit to a local village and school where we got to play with the children.

Our naturalist guides were extremely personable, knowledgeable and genuinely interested in making certain that we got to experience everything there was to experience! Our expedition leader was young, enthusiastic and went out of his way to make certain that everyone had a memorable experience.

1-3-2-52

Rick T.

We had high expectations that were fulfilled and exceeded. Any questions we had were answered quickly. Every person with whom we dealt who was involved in the transportation and the expedition itself were competent and friendly.

The most memorable part is hard to say, probably the cohesion of the group on our boat and how everyone - we tourists, the naturalists and the crew - enjoyed each other and the experience.

Denise V.

The trip was everything I'd hoped for and more. When one thinks of the Galapagos, you bring forward images of tortoises and blue-footed boobys, but there is so much more to these islands. I will never forget the first landing on the beach, Cerro Brujo, and seeing colonies of sea lions frolicking in the surf and sand. Imagine viewing sally lightfoot crabs, glistening against the rocks in their lipstick red shells, or watching as the blue footed boobys took turns dive bombing the shallow waters to catch their meal. The memories will last forever....

It was a five star plus experience - my expectations for the naturalist guides were realized, but I had no idea that the ship's staff would be so accommodating, friendly and one of the best assets of this adventure.

1-3-2-116

Richard G.

The trip was great. We particularly enjoyed seeing all of the animals and birds that you can not see anywhere else in the world. We saw many Red and Blue Footed Boobys. We even saw a female Red Footed Booby in her nest with a small chick. The baby sea lions were adorable. The small Galapagos Penguins were very special. The Giant Tortoises were wonderful to see also.

The Eclipse staff were excellent in every respect. It fully met our expectations. We hoped to be able to capture many great photos and we were not disappointed. We would have like to have seen more Giant Tortoises in the wild but we understand the limitations.

1-3-2-102

Betty M.

This was a wonderful trip and truly a trip of a lifetime. Being able to get very close to the breeding and nesting birds as well as other wildlife was an exceptional experience. Our three guides were excellent and all spoke English skillfully. The service was exceptional and the attention to every detail was evident.

Barbara P.

Seeing all the animals in their natural setting was amazing. I cannot talk enough about the staff and naturalists. The naturalists were well informed, helpful, considerate of individual's limitations and very personable. The staff was eager to help, efficient and always available without being on top of you. My cabin was spacious and well appointed, although we didn't spend much time there. The food was excellent and they accommodated my dietary needs. The trips were well planned and safety was always at the top of the list of services.

1-3-2-113

Ruth S.

The trip was fantastic in every way. Most memorable was the Galapagos itself, which was even more wonderful than we imagined. The expedition was amazing: wonderfully organized, making it possible to see and experience as much as possible -- actually much more than we would have thought possible. And we hugely enjoyed meeting many lovely people, who shared our interests during the trip.

The naturalists were fantastic -- incredibly knowledgeable, energetic, and passionate about the importance of their work. It is clear that they love their jobs, that they are proud of their country (justifiably!) and committed to preserving the Galapagos. They were wonderful teachers and examples. I am thinking especially of Ximena and Fernando, whom we happened to have most often as guides, but they were all terrific. Also wonderful were the excellent photography expert, Christian, who was often available for help with cameras and photography tips, and Cindy, the underwater specialist, who accompanied us while snorkeling and was always extremely pleasant, helpful, and informative.

1-3-2-112

Marilyn G.

The islands were exquisite and the naturalists were so knowledgeable, entertaining, and passionate about the Galapagos. Astounding wildlife. I came away with a renewed interest in conservation and preservation of our most precious resources. The service was excellent. The best I have ever received on a trip.

1-3-5-95

Rolando A.

Very knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating naturalists. They really try hard to locate wildlife and I was amazed as to how they find the animals sometimes. Keep in mind this is NOT Africa. It's the jungle. Animals are hiding and do not (for obvious reasons) want to be found. Most birds and monkeys are up in the canopy. Staff was superb from restaurant to room!
Joy is so knowledgeable and patient all the time. The coordination was impecable. Very pleased.

1-3-2-158

Kathy D.

Wonderful guide and small group atmosphere in a relaxed and flexible setting. We saw SO much - birds and mammals that were so close and came right up to us! Excellent guide - kudos to Lenny - he maximized our time and was knowledgeable, friendly, and fun! Exceeded our expectations - you cannot grasp how many creatures and the variety of species are all in one small place on earth!!!

Transfers and people meeting us were right where they said they would be - we received a call the night before in our hotel to confirm and answer any questions we had.

1-3-2-155

Kristen G.

Fantastic! Enjoying the wildlife- beyond words! The staff were great. The bed was remade after every siesta:) Everyone was helpful and friendly. Even though it was one of the shorter trips, we felt like we were able to have a rich and meaningful experience.

1-3-2-144

Marita H.

The trip was excellent! Having only 14 people added to the joy. For us, meeting new people in a small setting has always been the focus. We had lots of questions and they were all answered promptly. My job before I retired was in customer service so it met my expectations.

1-3-2-111

Thomas F.

It was like entering a new world filled with wildlife. You really have to see it to appreciate it. The service on and off the ship, and naturalists were outstanding. I don't know how they could be better. Everyone was helpful, and I did find planning the trip to be easy because of all the assistance I was given.

Judy W.

Both Joy and Amanda are a delight to work with, I have booked quite a few trips with ExpeditionTrips and I have always found them to be both available and patient in answering what must seem to them my never ending questions. From start to finish they thought of everything. The hotels were deluxe and the small ship was beautiful. Every cabin had a small outside deck with sliding glass doors and chairs to watch the Amazon go by. The cabins are compact, I was in the solo cabin and never felt cramped.

The expedition leader, Dennis Orsorio, and the 2 naturalists were extremely knowledgeable and willing to share their information. They had an infinite amount of patience when they sighted any wildlife in helping us to locate what they were seeing. We did visit a few of the native villages, one with school children who we met and interacted with.

1-3-2-163

Steve & Sharon C.

Excellent! 5 stars at least! Most memorable event was at the conclusion of the expedition that it was not just about the birds, iguanas, sea lions, etc., but the totality of the experience- how volcanoes formed the islands, how the animals survive and adapted (Darwin) and of course the interaction with the other guests-- all well educated and fun to be with. Staff anticipated our needs and when we asked for something -- bango it was done! Combine the experience with a beautiful boat and great accomodations, excellent staff and naturalists who not only knew there stuff but had a light side to them as well and you have the formula for success.

1-3-2-162

Ginger C.

You provided great insights into what might create the best trip for us personally. I always got answers to even my silliest questions......and very promptly. We received carefully outlined general information that was extremely useful, and all the final documents led us carefully step by step through the travel process.
Extraordinary wildlife in a totally unique setting. The naturalist's passion for conservation was inspiring and infectious. Ship, crew, transfers, etc., etc. ran like a well oiled machine. Friendly, caring and very attentive service throughout, and the naturalist guides were amazing. I believe all the naturalists actually lived on the islands most of their lives, so they were not only knowledgeable, but totally invested in protecting their special corner of the world while at the same time, very eager to share it with interested visitors. Quito tour guide was a walking encyclopedia & worth every penny.

1-3-2-108

Dotty M.

The trip was most interesting. Seeing the various birds and animals with their lack of fear of humans was amazing. Being able to "get up close and personal" was a rare treat. We saw different wildlife and had different adventures on each island.

The level of service on the ship was outstanding. Everyone was very organized, from the men handling the zodiacs to the naturalists and photographers on board, there was a high level of enthusiasm for what we were doing.

1-3-2-169

Janice R.

The trip had so many memorable events. We were very happy with everything you set up. I expected a great trip, but it was even better than I anticipated.
The hotels that were suggested were excellent. I think Beth was exceptionally patient with me and answered all the questions. She put up with me asking the same questions over and over.

1-3-2-107

Ron M.

The rooms were luxurious, food delicious, service great, and most importantly, lots of wildlife. Excellent service, everyone was very helpful and friendly. Pretty much met my expectations although maybe even a little more luxurious than I had anticipated.

Vera V.

For a family of 3 generations traveling together, an expedition to the Galapagos Islands seemed to be an ideal destination to celebrate a major anniversary while offering excitement and enjoyment to a diverse party. Through the internet I was miraculously steered to your agency "Expedition Trips", specialized in travel adventures. I called up and speaking to you, I received helpful advice and encouragement which ended up in a successful and well orchestrated trip for all of us.

The motor vessel Evolution can accommodate 32 passengers. It is a beautiful, stable ship with a spacious, newly furbished wooden deck where al fresco lunches can be served to all the guests and a hot pool is available to warm up after snorkeling in the not so warm Pacific waters.

Shortly after we embarked, we were taken for a land trip on sturdy pangas. There was never a dull moment during the week. Our 2 guides, Rapha and Samuel, kept us busy and introduced us to the diverse wonders of the islands and their special features with regard to geology, vegetation, history and wildlife. They immediately engaged the young generation (a group of 14) with nature specific stories, showing a deep interest in the environment and gave interesting briefings with photographs of the day before dinner.

The food was tasty, diverse and plentiful. With all activities of the day, everybody seemed to enjoy the meals, offered in a pleasant diningroom either buffet style or served. The entire crew was kind, helpful and pleasant, well trained to give each guest prime attention. The boat was clean with cabin service several times a day. There was a big costume party with King Neptune when we crossed the equator and live Spanish music performance by the crew at a birthday party with much applause.

At the end of the week the guests and crew had formed a happy family, and in the morning before disembarking, we were still taken on a last excursion to view a special mangrove site and watched birds, turtles and sharks.

Toni L.

Beth and her team were wonderful. I called her, in a panic, trying to rebook our group after our original trip was cancelled by another cruise line. This was a family reunion/birthday trip that had been planned for a year and we were so disappointed by the other company's cancellation. Beth was enormously helpful and reassuring that we would indeed still be able to make the trip.

Everything was as she described it and we were delighted with our journey to the Galapagos on the Endeavor. The trip was incredible—loved the prehistoric looking landscapes, the abundance of wildlife on land and underwater, the naturalists on board with their wealth of knowledge, the friendly and accommodating nature of the staff and crew, the zodiac cruises, and being with my family and sharing adventures.

1-3-2-72

Chuck M.

ExpeditionTrips was always timely with factual information. No detail was too small to attend to. Good advice on choosing the right ship. Good communications with the shipping & hotel company - e.g. helped with the hotel setting up a family 50th anniversary dinner at the Hotel Ore Verde - a great event for all of us.
This trip was to celebrate my wife Susan's and my 50th wedding anniversary and it exceeded all our expectations!!! Our entire family - all 11 of us from 8 to 72 - loved it. We all figure this trip was the bench mark for future ones - no one knows how we will ever top it.

Having taken over 60 cruises and many other vacations - many with our family, like this time - this was the best family vacation ever. Start with the venue - Galapagos: beyond expectations in natural beauty, excitement, and wonderful moments. The ship (the M.V. Evolution) was a great jumping off point - it is comfortable and spacious, and had a warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff was always looking out for the passengers. You've been snorkeling - they clean and dry your wet suit. You get out of the hot tub, or while in it - they give you a cup hot chocolate. You like a certain beer or wine with dinner, and they have it for you. They made our 11 year old grand daughter's birthday most memorable. The naturalists - starting with the tour director, Bolivar Sanchez, were incomparable. Their knowledge, their caring attitude, and humor were just great! We'd take them anytime!

1-3-2-187

Raquel H.

Experiencing the wildlife up-close and unbothered by human presence is truly amazing. The service on the Galapagos Legend was perfect and our Naturalist Guide, Cesar was highly knowledgable. Joshua Logan was very professional while also adding a personal comfort aspect to the planning experience.

1-3-2-189

Lydia J.

Far, far, far more fabulous, more exciting, than I ever expected. The Naturalist guides we had were Awesome! Magdalena and Adrian were a good team! They spoke English very well; we had a briefing (regarding what to expect for the next day agenda) each night prior to having dinner. A wonderful experience, a trip of a life time! Awesome!

Lisa & Michael

This was a truly wonderful experience. The guides were so knowledgeable, the room was beautiful, the service impeccable, the food excellent. I would certainly recommend it to anyone interested. Keep up the great work.

1-3-2-110

Terry P.

The trip was beyond expectations. Scenery, animals, naturalists, educational lectures- all were tops. Rarely saw other ships. The captain stopped the ship to pick up debris floating in the ocean- that was consistent with the expressed concerns for maintaining the pristine environment that we were so lucky to share in the Galapagos. The entire trip was well organized and incredibly coordinated. Trips to shore were planned for all levels of ability and interest.

1-3-2-71

Wendy C.

At so many points in planning our trip I appreciated the reminders I received from you about what the next steps were, and what decisions I needed to make and by what dates. The recommendation on our cabin choice on The Islander was exactly right for us. Thanks for making it painless to plan, and seamless and trouble free in every regard while we were traveling!

My husband and I consider our trip to the Galapagos Islands and the Sacred Valley/Mach Picchu truly "the trip of a lifetime". Every single aspect of our trip down to the tiniest detail was beyond outstanding: the destinations, the accommodations, the quality of the naturalists and guide, transfers -- each of these aspects far exceeded our expectations. Standout moments were swimming with the playful sea lions, exquisite snorkeling, and the abundance of Galapagos creatures so well fitted to their environments and unafraid of humans. Truly a standout experience in Peru was our ceremony with a Quechua shaman and Andean musician on a windswept terrace high above the Sacred Valley, and climbing Wynapicchu in the early hours of a misty morning. Sublime.

Truly exceptional!! Staff on the Islander were incredibly friendly, attentive, helpful and professional. I can say the same for our naturalists and guides and would add that each of them were versatile and incredibly informative. They were clearly tuned in to the needs and interests and pace of the group. They were walking encyclopedias about every aspect of what they were showing us. Julio MADE THE TRIP nothing short of extraordinary for us! He was truly, truly top notch. His language skills were excellent, he so generously shared his deep knowledge and enthusiasm tirelessly through our busy days, thoroughly and thoughtfully answering all our questions and anticipating our needs. We traveled in a very safe, recent model vehicle with a very safe driver.

1-3-2-218

Peter and Susan J.

The trip was OUTSTANDING. We had a fantastic time and truly the trip of a lifetime. Our guide- Cesare was superb. I snorkeled with cormorants, Galapagos penguins, rays, turtles and numerous beautiful reef fish. The highlight was seeing an orca hunt in the Bolivar channel while sitting in our panga. We want to do it all over again!!!

1-3-2-216

Joseph K.

The Galapagos Islands are one of the few sites in the world where the animals are unafraid and allow us to be close to them. The mixture of terrain from sand beaches to lava to rock to volcano is astounding. The naturalists are excellent, very friendly and helpful.

1-3-2-206

Linda B.

Our Galapagos trip was truly amazing! The comfort, food, and staff of La Pinta exceeded all expectations, and most importantly, the naturalists were absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for your help arranging the trip!

1-3-2-192

James H.

The service was courteous, friendly, helpful and laid back. It met me expectations which were high. My grandchildren were very wary and concerned about safety in Guayaquil. Your people met us at the airport and made sure we were buffered from unknown taxi drivers.

1-3-5-167

Drew & Kaylar

Our time on board Delfin II was fantastic. We really appreciate the hard work and dedication of all the crew who were always polite, attentive and friendly – thank you all! The little touches, such as Tomas’s artwork with the towels each afternoon, and my boots coming back cleaner than when I bought them will also be the source of great memories. We also appreciated the musicians – especially as it was at the end of a long working day for them.

1-3-5-165

Susan & Adrian

Very well organized trip from beginning to end. Food was beautifully prepared and presented. Luis helped us with our special dietary needs. Chino was a motivated, enthusiastic guide who clearly loves his job. The rooms were always clean and fresh. The barmen were great and the entire ship was comfortable and like “home”. We shall recommend Delfin II to everyone. Thank you.

1-3-2-47

Denise B.

This trip exceeded my expectations! Our trip to the Galapagos and Peru was beyond amazing! Most memorable in the Galapagos was the animals of course! To be able to be so close to so many different kinds of animals was a chance of a lifetime! We swam with Galapagos penguins and boated next to a pod of Orcas! Can't top that experience! In Peru to be able to walk through Machu Picchu was also an experience of a lifetime as well!

The staff in both locations were top of the line! The made sure to take care of every need. Not having to worry about all the details made it so much easier to enjoy the various trip activities and sights! Our oldest daughter celebrated her birthday while on the Galapagos trip. The ship staff made it a very memorable event during dinner, something that she shares with everyone when they ask about our vacation :)

Otto G.

The trip was great. The Galapagos was pretty much as expected and the variety of geography and wildlife were wonderful. Seeing the animals uninhibited by humans allowed close up observations and photos, that was the best part. The guide and naturalist were great and very attentive and knowledgeable. Josh was a real asset to our planning. He went above and beyond to help coordinate our trip. Our experience with the Peru portion to Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Piccu was great.

Dennis F.

Our trip was wonderful . . . every day was memorable. The service was fantastic and the trip was so much more than what I had expected!

The level of service was Top Notch in every way; the guides are wonderful, the drivers are very qualified and made us feel secure. They are organized and have taken care of all logistical needs, we didn't have to worry about anything. Working with ExpeditionTrips, any questions I had were all answered—I was amazed at how well organized the trip was. I will definitely plan future travel with ExpeditionTrips.

1-3-2-196

Carroll E.

The trip went beyond our expectations! The whole package from the ease of planning the trip with Amanda and Jessica to the greeting at the airport in Guayaquil to the transfer to the National Geographic Islander was exceptional! The expertise of the staff, the activities offered, the friendly atmosphere on board, all contributed to our wonderful memories!

The naturalists seemed to go out of their way to give us the opportunity to see the illusive owls hiding in the caves, swim with sea lions, find the white tipped reef shark, as well as watching the blue-footed boobies and albatross' mating dances. Our naturalists were very very knowledgeable! We learned so much about the islands, animals and people! They gave very interesting lecture every day before dinner, as well as being good guides on our swims and walks. They were also very helpful with our cameras, helping us with setting and photos.

ExpeditionTrips made our trip very easy; we were well prepared for the trip. Jessica and Amanda were always available to answer questions. We were also pleasantly surprised to receive our complimentary DVD of the trip. For us, it was the trip of a lifetime! Thank you!

1-3-3-147

Pam H.

Peru was a very diverse and interesting place—we saw a lot! The people are warm and welcoming, the food is wonderful, and the hotels were very nice indeed. Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca were the highlights for us, and the other archaeological sites we experienced added to our understanding of the Quechan / Incan history and culture. Machu Picchu was exceptional, like being in an M.C. Escher print! The mountains, jungle, archaeology, stonework and architecture were amazing. And Lake Titicaca is a special and beautiful place with its amazing colors, its vastness, its islands and ancient cultures.

The staff and guides who accompanied us were all very personable, knowledgeable, and helpful. They were always on time or early, and all had very good English, were well organized and had good suggestions. It was terrific to have a tour just for the three of us, rather than be part of a much larger group! Working with ExpeditionTrips was superb. We appreciated Jessica's excellent communication with us as we tried to structure a trip that would satisfy three different people. We had many questions, but Jessica was able to find a schedule that allowed us to visit everywhere we wanted to go.

1-3-2-115

Rosanna L.

Our trip was fantastic. Memorable parts were the hikes on the various islands - felt like we were in a true animal paradise. The Eclipse was wonderful, great accommodation, staff and overall experience. The naturalists were extremely knowledgeable and kept our attention throughout. This trip exceeded our expecations! You helped from the beginning through the end - 5 stars plus!!!

1-3-2-232

Patricia P.

If I knew anyone that was even thinking of going, I would make sure they use the Evolution. The space on this yacht was fantastic. I was constantly looking at other ships we saw on the water and we would talk about the overall space advantage the Evolution had. Our room was A3 and it was excellent. I did check out a C and D room and was surprised at how well they looked in size also. Decor was great. Service was excellent. The crew was fantastic!

1-3-2-241

Helen

The week in the Galapagos aboard the Santa Cruz was fantastic. The staff was outstanding. We were surprised that the rooms were cleaned 3 times a day. Pilar helped make our daughter's birthday special with an ice cream party and the pastry chef made a delicious cake. The guides were very knowledgeable and Ramiro the expedition leader terrific, very organized and great with the kids! We enjoyed the tours of Quito and Lima.

Peter & Lorraine

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Staff was friendly, helpful, and were knowledgeable. The activities were fun and we did learn about the local area. Would recommend this trip to our family, friends or anyone interested in doing this trip.

1-3-2-150

Carolyn F.

We had a fabulous time! The accommodations were very comfortable, we enjoyed delicious food at every meal, and our family loved swimming with the sea lions and penguins! We also liked kayaking with sea turtles as they bopped their heads up and down in the water. The frigate birds were a real wonder to see. The most impressive aspect of the trip: we were able to be so close to the wildlife and receive detailed information about their lives from phenomenally informed and passionate naturalists!

The service and boat accommodations were excellent. The naturalists were so friendly and knowledgeable and were so patient with our children. The naturalists clearly love their job and share their enthusiasm with the guests. The staff on the boat is just as helpful. We were very pleased with the level of service. It absolutely exceeded our expectations, we couldn't have asked for a better trip.

1-3-2-48

Ron L.

Excellent! Having traveled with this company in the past, we knew what to expect, and those expectations were met. Most memorable part was the variety of wildlife seen close up and the friendliness and competency of the Equadorian staff. In addition, experiencing what we did with only 45 other passengers, plus the sharing of life experiences with them made the voyage more enjoyable.

1-3-2-261

Chantal H.

Every day was a new adventure, new landscapes, different animals to see, but with just the right amount of downtime to connect as a family. The staff aboard the Flamingo were gracious and accomodating, and the guides where great with us and the kids. Knowledgable, passionate (both were from San Cristobal) and lots of fun! ET was super responsive, helpful, reassuring and offered great suggestions. The way you set out the timelines and what to expect and how to prepare for the trip were very helpful and easy to follow.

1-3-2-260

Marcia B.

Everything was so well handled , I wouldn't change a thing... I felt safe and looked after... Really liked the packet you sent with instructions itenary, tickets... Well done... You get an A+!!! I was so impressed with all the green ecology techniques being used in mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos. The size of the boat was perfect in my mind... 20 passengers. The trip was well organized. Happy friendly captain and crew. Good food! The animals fascinating and scenery beautiful. Magical.

The two naturalists were charming and knowledgeable. I learned a lot and laughed a lot. The staff made sure we had whatever we needed and the rules on the boat and on our various treks were quite clear. The Captain made sure everything and everyone functioned well. He a a really nice man.

R & J

We returned from our trip and we had a wonderful experience. We loved the La Pinta, its excellent service and amazing schedule. We loved visiting all the islands and seeing its natural inhabitants. Thank you for organizing our trip and accommodating our needs.

Mathias A.

Excellent service!! I am very happy I chose the Galapagos Legend. It is the best way to see the Galapagos. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience. I will recommend the Galapagos Legend to all my friends in Denmark!!

1-3-2-386

Lili M.

Rafael was the best! We can't imagine there being any better guide. What we believe made him special was the enthusiasm he brought to our journey. He really loved showing us his islands and we learned so much from him. In fact, he even got my husband (he's not a great swimmer) to go snorkeling. He stayed right by his side in the water so he'd feel comfortable. He told him that he didn't want him to miss the magic below the water as was above the water and this was what convinced my husband to try it.

1-3-2-231

Susan K.

The Galapagos trip on the Grace was nothing short of fabulous. The crew was wonderful and the cruise director was thoughtful and meticulous. Everyone seemed to do more than one job. Our guide was articulate, extremely knowledgeable and went out of his way to make certain everyone was happy and satisfied.

1-3-2-240

Ann W.

Just wanted to thank you for all your help in organising our visit to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. The trip was fantastic and all your arrangements worked perfectly. The Galapagos Islands are very special. All the staff and guides on the Santa Cruz looked after us very well and we will remember our visit for a very long time.

1-3-2-237

Daniella L.

I want to tell you that our trip to the Galapagos was beyond fabulous. We had very high expectations, and our expectations were exceeded. It was simply perfect. From being picked up in the hotel, finding our luggage in the cabin, the size of the boat, the design of the rooms, the superb naturalists, the food, the crew, the logistical execution, choices, flexibility, everything. And then of course, the islands themselves and the rich waters provided a unique experience that is hard to describe. We had the most unusual, unbelievable sighting of 3 whales that came quite close to the pangas and even flipped in the air 3 times. I am recommending this trip to my friends.

1-3-2-248

Linda H.

The tour of the islands was well planned, and included a good mixture of walking and snorkeling. The staff on the ship were wonderful, the crew were wonderful, from the panga drivers to the guides, everyone was professional, organized, and supportive.It is a trip we will never forget.

1-3-2-250

Anthony M.

Just wanted to say thank you for our time aboard the Legend. We had an amazing time. Your staff were extremely professional and everything was absolutely perfect. Did I mention the wildlife was absolutely amazing too! It was a dream come true.

1-3-3-146

Jim H.

We were inspired to take this trip because it's always been on our bucket list. Everything was just perfect. We didn't have to wait for anything. Everyone was where they should have been when they should have been there. Nothing for us to worry about. Most excellent trip with our good friends. Couldn't ask for anything better. Thanks.

1-3-2-114

Elizabeth W.

We loved The Eclipse and its crew - every single day was memorable and beautifully managed. Outstanding! The Guides especially - their presentations each evening on the history of the Galapagos (geological, biological, etc.) were very well done! It had pretty much met our expectations until the afternoon we sailed on the ocean amidst a huge dolphin pod - then it was an unworldly, unbelievable, absolutely stunning experience!

Josh and Jennifer provided highly personalized, knowledgeable service, were extremely responsive to every question and concern, and made sure that our experience was seamless from one end to the other.

Shirley F.

The Galapagos Islands have been on our "must see" list for a long time. Everything on this trip was close to ideal: perfect weather, festivities in Quito, the Saturday market in Otavalo, Sunday masses and festivities, and hiking and hot springs at Termas de Papallacta, and a cruise on the Eclipse—snorkeling and guided walks were the best!

The kayaking, panga rides, food, and top deck Jacuzzi were also great.

The level of service was excellent throughout. The expedition exceeded all of our expectations. The trip planning experience with ExpeditionTrips was superb, and the service with Abby were excellent

Andrea J.

I always wanted to go to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu. Darwin's Lake, the Sun Gate, the train to Machu Picchu were the most memorable parts of the expedition. The naturalists were well informed and the tour guides in Peru were wonderful.

1-3-2-27

Tina P.

We had talked about it for years as a trip we wanted to take. But, it was Shelly's expertise that helped us finally pull the trigger and sign up! Our expectations were met. We had a varied trip that allowed for excitement, education and relaxation. We were totally satisfied.

1-3-4-324

Julia W.

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip on the Sea Lion and to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The staff, guides and crew were phenomenal!! We were inspired to take this trip because my husband has been into landscape photography for the past 7 years, so we researched the National Geographic photographers and chose to go on a trip with Michael Melford.

Working with ExpeditionTrips is a must. We pestered both Jennifer and Joy with lots of questions – and they always knew the correct answers and didn't seem to mind!! When we wanted to fly down a day early and stay overnight in Panama City after the cruise, ET gave us great recommendations on where to stay in safe neighborhoods. The customer service we received from ExpeditionTrips was 10+++++.

1-3-2-269

Peg and Peter S.

It was better than we ever dreamed... ...in more gushing detail: Our experience was smooth sailing from the naturalists to the shipboard staff... wow, what wonderful memories! There could not be a better expedition leader than Moreno, period. His corps of naturalists are superb, Maria Carmen and Grace stood out. Everyday was action (example: swimming with penguins!) packed, well planned, and as rigorous or laid back as one wanted. Night time was amazing as well, we will never forget the stars, and watching from the rail, under the ship's lights, the swimming sea lions chasing the flying flying fish at rocket speed. M. V. Santa Cruz was the perfect vessel for us; lovely cabins at a cost we could afford, a wonderful variety of delicious food, and a crew of the nicest folks. Did I mention happy hour every evening on the sun deck...? We have wanted to see Ecuador's exquisite islands since we were married forty years ago.

1-3-5-282

Kate W.

I would like to thank you for allowing me to experience the MV Aqua on my recent trip to Peru. My partner Joe and I absolutely loved every moment of the experience. From the beautiful boat, to the wonderful crew, the superb wildlife and knowledgeable naturalists (in particular, Roland), the food, everything was perfect.

1-3-2-293

Francis D.

Peru was the most memorable part of the expedition. The level of service of the staff and naturalists was great. ExpeditionTrips was superb at helping to plan my trip. I would definitely book future trips with ET.

Brian K.

The most memorable part of the trip was snorkeling with the sea lions. The sea lions were so interactive in the Galapagos and would essentially "play" with you. Unbelievable. It exceeded my expectations.
ExpeditionTrips did a fantastic job throughout the transaction and always provided prompt responses to any questions that we had. Great job all around.

Bill and Sandy B.

Jessica did an outstanding job assisting us with our booking and many questions. Beth was a great help when Jessica was out of the office. We would definitely recommend ExpeditionTrips for our friends.

National Geographic did such an excellent job with the trip to Antarctica that we took in December of 2012, that we wanted to go with them again. The Galapagos and Peru looked so enticing that we couldn't resist! Seeing the wildlife in their habitat and the fact that they seemed so unafraid of us humans was such a thrill. We so enjoyed the people we met in both the Galapagos and Peru. We didn't know what to expect so everything we saw & did was a treat!!

1-3-5-333

Bill and Kathy M.

We've used Expedition Trips a number of times. Shelley Fry and Jennifer Santoyo have always been great to work with. They are knowledgeable, and quick to respond. The level of service was excellent, the guides were very knowledgeable.

1-3-2-294

Derrick B.

We were inspired to go to the Galapagos after watching the BBC 3-disc series on the islands, about a year ago. The trip was truly amazing - probably the most memorable parts were (1) swimming with penguins and sea lions, (2) experiencing the wide range of wildlife on the islands, (3) getting to know all the great passengers & crew onboard the ship, and (4) learning so much from the very experienced naturalist guides. The trip exceeded our expectations overall.

1-3-2-332

Elaine and Ward L.

We have always wanted to visit Galapagos and Mach Picchu. We had very high expectations for this trip and they were met. ExpeditionTrips was very responsive to questions, and I asked a lot! Joy is great. The guides were terrific and had excellent English, and the cruise operator is fantastic! So glad we went with them! The hotels were fantastic.

There were too many memorable moments to name–animals, the passion of the naturalists, swimming with turtles and sea lions, the amazing structures at Machu Picchu, the beautiful accommodations . . .

We've given your name to others and we'll definitely contact you again.

Cathy and Jerry L.

I was inspired to take this trip after I read Darwin's "Origin of the Species" many years ago and have had the desire to visit the Galalpagos Islands ever since. I wanted to see the endemic animal populations of each island in their natural habitats. So, observing the birth of a baby sea lion was a remarkable experience! Our naturalist guide identified a mother who was about to give birth; without him our group would have walked right by and missed the opportunity. We sat quietly watching in awe at this once in a lifetime event unfolding before us.

The naturalists and guides are exceptionally knowledgeable, professional and helpful. When planning our trip, Jessica was extremely helpful answering preliminary questions on the phone and with all the logistics and follow up information involved concerning our trip.

1-3-2-244

Shauna V.

I had always wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands to take photos of the unique wildlife. The level of service was excellent. The naturalists were very knowledgeable and made sure that all our questions were answered. They were very patient and really had a love for the Galapagos that was noticeable. The Staff on the Ship was very attentive and provided excelled customer service. I have no complaints with the service, it was first class.

1-3-5-279

Lee Family

The Aqua was super. The cabins were luxurious even with a third body in residence. Really interesting and friendly traveling companions – no one as young as D but one family had two daughters 20 and 23 who made a big fuss over D. The naturalists were very fine and the food absolutely gourmet. The chef always sent someone to ask if D wanted to eat the set meal or something less fancy. The highlight of the trip was a skiff boat outing on the Pacaya River.

1-3-2-296

Richard B.

I had been to the Galapagos previously and wanted to share the unique experience with my grandsons. Being able to get so near so many unique birds and animals was a special treat. I had high expectations and they were met in every way. Everything and everybody was superb. The boat crew was friendly, attentive and always helpful. The naturalists had a boundless passion and enthusiasm for their work. They conveyed that to the travelers every day.

Joe C.

What can I say? It was awesome! We went in July of 2013. The weather was great (upper 80s). The water level had already receded about 12-15 feet, so treking into the jungle was great fun! We saw anacondas, caimans, sloths, monkeys, dolphins manatees and birds of every type.
The staff went beyond my expectations in every way. The cruise director (Anna), the guides (Ricardo, Naycer, Jorge, and Roland, the dining room attendants, the room service, were all top notch! I grew up in Las Vegas where there are more 5 star, 5 diamond restaurants than anywhere on the planet, and I promise you that I have never had any food better than what they served on the Aria! It is truly a must do trip!

1-3-2-311

Dee M.

I loved everything about the Galapagos, but snorkeling around the islands was a highlight. The service was amazing—impeccable. The crew was incredibly helpful. The naturalist was very knowledgeable and responsive. The trip exceeded my expectations.

ExpeditionTrips was very responsive to questions, and we had a lot of them. You made updates and changes to our itineraries very quickly. We felt very prepared for the trip and everything went very well.

1-3-2-312

Jan D. and Family

Joshua quickly answered my emails and was very helpful. There was very little of the experience that wasn't spectacular. From the amazing wildlife and landscapes to the crew, guides and staff, there wasn't a moment that couldn't be written about in a story.

My youngest son fell in love with the wildlife of the Galapagos when he was 3 years old. He has researched, read about and talked about Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands ever since. We decided that since he was 10 and our eldest 12, we would go on an expedition to show them those things they'd been dreaming about.

Jill W.

I've traveled all over the world and this was one of the best trips I've done. From the second I contacted ExpeditionTrips to inquire about cruises to the Galapagos, the service was incredible.

I worked with Beth Mercier and Amanda Gerardo and they were always very timely in responding to questions, they listened to what was important to me and found the perfect cruise to match. The entire trip went without a hitch and many thanks to them for assisting every step of the way. This cruise was part of a month long trip to Ecuador & Peru - for the other part of the trip I dealt with other travel companies and all it did was highlight just how exceptional ExpeditionTrips is.

1-3-5-363

Mark J.

The trip fully met our expectations. Excellent balance between down time and exploration. The most interesting part of the trip was the canoe rides. The experience of the guides made all the difference with their amazing levels of knowledge about the rainforest, animals, botany and culture of the Amazon. Our accommodation and meals were excellent and the crew members gave 100% every step of the way.

Roxanne H.

What a wonderful trip – more than I expected! Everything was just right – our walk in the forest, seeing birds and wildlife, plus our guides were very, very knowledgeable!! The crew members were very kind, helpful and always had a great attitude. The guides knew the flora and fauna, river system and medicinal plants. It helps that they are from the region and have first-hand experience. I can’t say enough about how good they know their job! I would like to return someday and do your Dry Season tour.

Debbie B.

This trip has been on my bucket list for a decade. Seeing wildlife (land tortoises were the highlight), but all the wildlife was fabulous. Our guides, Pepe and Edwin, were so good at their job. I am pleased that they are helping preserve wildlife in the Galapagos. I thoroughly enjoyed snorkeling. Our guides and the staff on board the Eric were surely the best in the world – knowledgeable, helpful, informative, respectful, and funny. I was always made to feel very safe, in and out of the water, and the guides made sure the wildlife was safe from us! That means a lot to me.

1-3-2-297

Carole G.

I wanted to have a wonderful family vacation. The people on our ship (passengers and crew) were wonderful. It was a family voyage and there were 4 grandparents, parents, and kids (aged 11-17). We all got along wonderfully and we are in touch now.

1-3-2-242

Cheryl I.

We saw a great deal in a short time. The daily schedules were very ambitious, which suited us well. The ship was also very comfortably outfitted, cabins were larger than expected and very quiet. Wildlife we saw was amazing - a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

1-3-2-323

Allen G. and son

The Eclipse was great! The entire Galapagos experience was led by simply wonderful naturalists who were knowledgeable, passionate and enjoyable. The level of service was excellent and beyond expectations. ExpeditionTrips provided excellent communication and availability to address questions and concerns.

1-3-2-243

Ilene M.

We had always wanted to go to the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu. A lifelong dream! The Isabela II was a great small ship. Very comfortable rooms and excellent food. It met all of our expectations and then some. The naturalists on board were terrific! Machu Picchu was fabulous! Expedition Trips was accommodating to our needs and very responsive to our requests.

1-3-2-317

Lauren B.

We were inspired to take this trip because it was on my bucket list, it should be on everyone's! We felt like we were in a different world – the animal's world. Snorkeling with sea lions playing with us, seeing the mating rituals of birds like the albatross, boobies, and frigate birds, and the amazing sea life – penguins, marine iguanas, golden rays, eagle rays, sharks, and turtles. And of course, the tortoises! Fantastic!!!!

1-3-5-277

Mark and Donna B.

We were surprisingly pleased with our 4-night trip aboard MV Aria. The guides were outstanding. How they managed to find wildlife hidden (to us) high in the tree tops while the skiffs were cruising at 20 knots is amazing. The food was likewise excellent, emphasizing local Peruvian fresh foods. I’m now a convert to camu camu. I wish I could get it at home. The accommodations were also first rate. Lying in bed, watching the world go by through the huge picture window was a wonderful experience.

Linda U.

The sea lions just hanging out was awesome, to walk with them and the albatross nesting area was special too.
Alejandro, one of our naturalists, knew his stuff and his passion for his Galapagos was obvious. From currents, to weather to the animals, he understood it all and could relate it to you.
ExpeditionTrips kept us posted on everything and the trip went smoothly.

1-3-5-272

Marion B.

I wanted to experience the Amazon with its unique animals, fauna and ecosystem. The monkeys and sloths were memorable. The trip was great. Staff was well informed, very friendly and willing to constantly go out of their way. Trip was a 10 and I travel outside the US once per month.

1-3-5-275

Jeff T.

Thank you for making the arrangements for my family to go on the Aria. We had a wonderful time. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The boat is beautiful and the cabins are spacious. It was great to see the animals in their natural setting and to see the floating city in Iquitos and the Villages along the River.

Paul R.

Our Nature Guide was the great man Jorge Garcia. I have never met such a brilliant nature guide. He has an affinity to the ecosystems that would be hard to beat and combines his natural ability, university education, passion and love for his islands into a world class guiding and education style.

1-3-5-274

Manly Family

My husband and I took this cruise last week. EVERY SINGLE aspect of our interaction with the folks related to the Aqua vessel was beyond our expectations. The crew is professional and masterful! We loved the experience and would highly recommend this cruise to all even remotely interested!!

1-3-2-387

Sarah W.

I thought the Grace was a wonderful yacht. My husband and I probably had one of the smallest cabins and we found it very comfortable and well designed. The A class doubles looked wonderful! Our children were down below in C5 and loved their cabin!

Joanna D.

The Evolution crew was outstanding. The boat was the perfect size and accommodations were beyond expectations. I don't know how they were able to make us feel like we were the only ones traveling in the Galapagos. The Evolution crew was outstanding. They were so attentive to our special needs.

1-3-2-470

Judith F.

The Galapagos on the Islander was the best one could expect. We missed nothing! The trip exceeded my expectations. Antonio was a great guide and very kind to guests who had difficulties on the hikes. He was helpful with the camera; I came hope a better photographer. If it weren't for Expedition Trips, I would NOT have known about the Nazca Lines trip that I added on. Paracas and the Nazca Lines were amazing. Thank you Expedition Trips — 9.99! All materials were received in a timely fashion and were perfectly clear. Jennifer and Joy were most helpful finding the perfect boats and trips for us.

1-3-5-472

Judith F.

The Amazon was awesome. The kayaking was excellent! My fellow passengers were as interested in the wonders of the rain forest as I, making for a pleasant time together. The guides were terrific –spotting monkeys, frogs, birds. . . The trip exceeded my expectations.

I loved the Delfin II. There must have been a food stylist on board, as every meal was elegantly presented. Fernando Sanchez, Photo Instructor on the Delfin II, was so helpful. Another guest and I requested help with camera settings. He'd give us a lesson each day, send us out to hone the skill, and give a lesson the next day. I came home a better photographer. If it weren't for ExpeditionTrips, I would NOT have known about the Nazca Lines trip that I added on. Paracas and the Nazca Lines were amazing. Thank you ExpeditionTrips — 9.99! All materials were received in a timely fashion and were perfectly clear. Jennifer and Joy were most helpful finding the perfect boats and trips for us.

1-3-2-446

Deb K.

Most memorable part was the fabulous wildlife, and being able to get so close to it! ExpeditionTrips' staff is exceptionally responsive, knowledgeable, and if they don't immediately know the answer to one of my questions they tell me they'll find it out asap, and they do. I would absolutely book again with you.

June G.

The most memorable part of the expedition were the animals. The trip more than meet my expectations - I was blown away by the wonderful service that I experienced at every point of the week. The Coral II is a wonderful ship to travel on - staff, guides and crew were impeccable and my food requests were all met. I count the week in Ecuador as one of the best weeks ever. Everything was superb and wonderfully organized.

Greg and Jane

Words cannot describe the beauty of The Amazon and the friendly staff onboard the Delfin. The service was great and the boat magnificent. We really had a fantastic time and definitely will visit again!

1-3-2-447

Richard H.

The Galapagos Explorer was a very comfortable way to see the Galapagos. The accommodations were excellent, the trip was well organized and the service and food were beyond expectations. The staff was nothing short of fabulous. They were friendly and did all they could to be of service. Our guide was very knowledgable and very personable. The food preparation and service in the dining room was five star.

1-3-2-442

Roberto D.

My wife and I would like to thank all the people working on Galapagos Sky for the exceptional week we had early in October on board! We have dived a lot, and in many places. At the end of each day, after 4 daily dives, we realized that each one was better than the one before! We saw hundreds of hammerheaded sharks, dozens of eagle rays, turtles, jackfishes and much much more, and immediatley understood that we were having the best dives of our life, definitely exceeding all our best expectations!

But diving is not enough, and living on board Galapagos Sky as well as visiting the islands was the best way to experience such dives. Being helped, assisted, and served in every single need by a real professional crew, always smiling and making you feel like you were in a second home has left a special flavour to the memories of the days spent on board.

1-3-2-388

Lyn A.

Alex, our tour guide and naturalist was very, very good at his job. He is very knowledgeable, very personable, and has a very good sense of how to adjust the experience to meet the characteristics and needs of the (inevitable) variety of people who sign on for the tour.

1-3-2-417

Chong-Yin C.

The trip exceeded our expectations as being in the Galapagos is a totally different experience from watching documentaries. The crew and guides were great and always concerned about our safety. It was wonderful working with the ExpeditionTrips team and we’d definitely book future trips with you. All the travel arrangements were great.

1-3-2-421

Marie M.

The Galapagos Islands was one of the trips on my "bucket list" and I decided to share the experience with my children and grandchildren. The trip was fabulous and met all my expectations. I would definitely book future trips with ExpeditionTrips!! The staff and guides and crew were awesome!!! The Legend was a perfect fit for my family and the food was excellent and crew service was beyond that of any other cruise I have been on. ALL the guides were knowledgeable, well trained, and extremely helpful. I highly recommend the Legend!

1-3-2-300

Mary T.

My son phoned to say they were going to the Galapagos, and I asked, Do you mind if we went with you? We loved every minute. The transfer people were excellent, prompt, efficient. The boat was above all expectations, especially the guides.We definitely plan on going back to the Galapagos two years from now, and we want to book a side trip to the Amazon. We want to see the northern islands and a bit more of Ecuador. Of course we are going to book with you.

1-3-2-423

Susan G.

I have always wanted to see the Galapagos – most memorable was the hike on Sanitago Island – Albatross, marine iguanas, blue footed boobies – all were there! I thought the crew, staff and guides were terrific – very nice, very professional, very helpful. Our guide was very knowledgeable Our cabins beds were made when we returned from breakfast and the laundry service was very fast.

1-3-2-418

Susan B.

I always wanted to go and I brought my niece with me who wants to be a marine biologist. The trip far exceeded expectations – knowledgeable guides with fantastic personable service. ExpeditionTrips service was great. They excelled at putting together a last minute trip without leaving anything for me to worry about. I would book future trips with you.

1-3-2-354

Minh L.

Our family had an absolutely wonderful time in the Galapagos!!! It was simply the best cruise we've ever taken. Everyone on board was so attentive and nice. The experience on the islands was amazing (we would definitely do this cruise again). ExpeditionTrips was amazing in helping to plan this trip.

1-3-2-449

Liz W.

We enjoyed our time in the Galapagos and have some very nice memories and pictures. The coordination from the airport to the hotel and back to the airport worked well. The coordination from the Baltra airport to the ship and all the trips during the week was very smooth.

1-3-2-445

Steve W.

In all of our travels over the past decade, there are a very limited number of days that you never, ever forget. Our day hiking on North Seymour Island is one of those rare, cherished days. The Blue Footed Boobies and the Frigates were so amazing and am I fortunate to have caught it on camera!

I have found ExpeditionTrips to be first class. You have always handled all requests professionally and personally and assisted greatly in trip planning before we finalize our final plans. The best indicator of our satisfaction is that we are coming back for our third trip within 18 months booked through ExpeditionTrips.

1-3-2-426

Drew P.

Terrific experience working with ExpeditionTrips! Your staff went above and beyond to answer all our (thousands! it seemed) questions and to make sure from start to finish our trip was seamless. A trip to the Galapagos Islands was something we wanted to do for some time, always considering it to be one of those "trips of a lifetime", a trip that would be truly unique and unlike anything we had ever done. It was! The crew, staff, and guides were all fantastic. Several of the guides snorkeled with us and that was very helpful since they were familiar with the waters and also the animals and knew how to interact with them.

1-3-2-424

Linda G.

ExpeditionTrips made life very easy with friendly and timely responses to emails and booking enquiries. Our guide was exceptional. His knowledge of the area was excellent. We saw a lot of wildlife and when we went to find giant tortoise, we spent a lot of time and saw 8 magnificent creatures, compared to other groups who spent minimal time and saw 2. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We are travelling to Antarctica next, and after that, would like to go to Easter Island and Machu Picchu next year.

1-3-2-422

Stacey and Manny S.

Once I started researching the Galapagos, I knew I had to visit. The idea of a prehistoric world and "the air of a land that time forgot" really interested me. It was everything that I expected. I would not only book a future trip with ExpeditionTrips but would strongly recommend others do so as well! I appreciated your expertise and responsiveness.

1-3-5-482

Graham

Thank you for an amazing experience. The staff and crew were spectacular and friendly. I cannot recall an entire week as perfect as this. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I'll never forget. We may leave The Amazon but it will never leave us!

1-3-2-440

DJ J.

These were two destinations on our "bucket list". We retired a couple of years back and decided it was time. Great decision. It exceeded all expectations. Everything was on schedule, timely. All personnel involved in this trip were excellent. Tours, guides, and transport systems were on time and provided superb service. Working with ExpeditionTrips was a pleasure. When questions came up, they were answered in a timely manner. We absolutely would book again with ExpeditionTrips.

1-3-2-419

Richard L.

We loved the animals! A once-in-a-lifetime trip. Most memorable -- swimming with sea lions; seeing frigate birds courtship ritual. Excellent level of service -- everyone was timely and courteous. We particularly enjoyed our tour guide -- she was pleasant, unhurried, knowledgeable. ExpeditionTrips’ service was excellent. No complaints; no suggestions.

1-3-2-416

Cindy and Dave D.

There were a number of memorable experiences, all related to the wildlife - first sighting of a blue-footed booby sitting on a rock next to a pelican; sea lions playing with us in the water; night light show of flying fish - with sharks and turtles swimming around them; kayaking next to a penguin; watching the red footed booby with her baby; capturing a photo of a magnificent red-breasted frigate up on the cliff....

The trip surpassed my expectations, and we were very happy with the Isabella II. The staff was extremely accommodating and the naturalists were very knowledgeable. The lead guide provided us with a debriefing power point each evening, which gave us a clear expectation of the following day’s activities.

1-3-5-349

Glenn & Keith

This has been the experience of a lifetime! Everyone has been so nice, polite, warm, professional and just perfect. The boat and vessel are beautiful and impeccable but more importantly the people and the experience. We can't wait to tell all our friends about this amazing experience in the Amazon and we can't wait to return!.

1-3-2-347

Chuck M.

Biggest surprise moment: After cruising around for 20 minutes on one of the snorkel trips looking at the pretty little fish, all of a sudden a sea lion swam right to me and we were nose-to-nose at about 10”. After that, he swam right under me so close I could have hugged him, and then swam playfully around me for a few minutes more. It was a very positive experience and would use Expedition Trips again. I’ve already recommended you to a friend of a friend who is shopping for a Galapagos tour.

1-3-2-171

Jonathan L.

This was the most rewarding trip I have ever taken. There is little that can be improved – great job. Always wanted to visit Galapagos because of its importance in science and unique diversity of animals/plants. Daughter finally reached age that she could appreciate. The most memorable part were the hikes through the bush.

Mark M.

Abby at ExpeditionTrips was awesome to work with. We were a group of 13 that was not easy to manage. She did a wonderful job. Everyone said they would definitely use you again. Everything was amazing on this trip. The staff on the boat was awesome and very helpful. No request was too big or small.

1-3-2-571

Mariha K.

My experience working with ExpeditionTrips was absolutely positive. Everything went very smoothly; it was a tremendous stress reliever to have everything taken care of including shuttling to and from the airport in Quito.

The advice I was given on staying in the old part of the city on our way to the Galápagos and in the newer part on our way out was excellent as well. I would definitely book future trips with you. I can't think of any improvements at this time. Everything was great; my daughter until now had always stayed in resorts when she traveled, so this was a first for her, and she enjoyed almost every minute of it (the exception being the second evening when we were on a long run in open water and it was a bit rough and she became seasick).

I have wanted to visit the Galápagos Islands for at least 40 years. When my husband offered our daughter a trip anywhere with me to celebrate graduation from nursing school she chose the Galápagos. The most memorable part was probably our first encounter with marine iguanas on Genovesa Island on the second day. There were thousands of them sprawled around on the rocks. It was awesome! But then snorkeling with hammerhead sharks was pretty outstanding as well. And the sunrises and sunsets were nice. It was all good.

My daughter and I are gluten-intolerant and had notified the ship through ExpeditionTrips. The chefs were creative and diligent in seeing that our food remained gluten-free. In addition to preparing our entrees w/o gravies or sauces or preparing a totally different entree if necessary, they provided us with beautiful and generous plates of fruit for snacks and desserts when others were having pastries and sandwiches. We also much enjoyed the folded towel "origami" on our bunks every day; we had taken along a large ugly stuffed Bill the Cat doll as our trip mascot, and some days when we returned to our cabin we found he had several towel companions, one of which was usually wearing my reading glasses!

1-3-2-524

Linda W.

My experience working with ExpeditionTrips was absolutely positive. You answered my questions in a timely manner, gave good information, and made it all work. I felt taken care of—you thought of everything!

The staff, guides and crew of the National Geographic Endeavour was way past expectations. The Expedition Leader was extraordinary. She seems so sweet and casual, but she ran the tour like Patton going through France. She packed so much into so little time. There was something for everyone, even the wimps who wanted to take the easy tours. The food was extraordinary. The cooks and food staff did a great job of providing interesting and well-displayed food. I am going to search out an Ecuadorian cookbook after the trip.

1-3-2-565

Nancy R.

I was very pleased with ExpeditionTrips. The trip exceeded expectations! I expected good service and guides and they exceeded expectations. The Flamingo staff, crew and guides were top-notch! One guide had 30+ years of experience and the other had 15 years of experience.

The guides were both passionate and dedicated to the sustainability of the Galapagos. Their love of the place was evident in everything they did and they loved sharing it all with us. The ship was fantastic—perfect for us. Great service, very clean, good food and very friendly staff. Everyone seemed to really enjoy their jobs and were fun to be around. I would very definitely recommend this ship to anyone.

Ayesha R.

We had a very positive experience working with ExpeditionTrips. I would certainly consider using you guys again. The trip was amazing. The tour was very professionally managed and very well run. Every aspect was well thought-out.

We had such packed itineraries every single day that clearly it was meant to maximize our exposure to every aspect of life in the Galapagos. I also can’t say enough good things about our tour guide for the 6-day tour. He was tireless, full of enthusiasm and charm and humor, and a consummate professional to the core. Our tour group of six included two adults and a senior from our end, i.e. my mom. Thanks to the guide’s constant helpfulness and commitment to making sure every single person got the most out of their experience, my mom had a fantastic time as well and was able to participate in and enjoy almost every single activity in the itinerary.

The Red Mangrove lodges we stayed at were very nice; the lodge at Floreana has more of a rustic charm, the remaining two lodges were nicer than many 4 star hotels, with killer views to boot. The rooms were spacious, beautifully decorated, squeaky clean, and even had ipod players. At the Santa Cruz lodge, we found sea lions napping next to chairs on the patio, and marine iguanas hanging out under the patio tables. The views from the Floreana lodge were beautiful, and the Isabela lodge sat on a very beautiful pristine beach – we could be on the sandy beach with spectacular views within a minute’s walk from our rooms. Service at the Red Mangrove lodges was consistently very professional and very customer-oriented, and the food was consistently delicious, healthy and fresh. A really nice touch was whenever we would return to the lodges after a bunch of activities, feeling tired, someone would greet us at the entrance with drinks and snacks – often with really nice hot chocolate. We had a simply amazing experience.

1-3-2-533

Cora L.

My experience working with ExpeditionTrips was a positive one. They made international travel convenient and safe. I was interested in traveling to an exotic place—and exotic it was, in so many ways! It went above and beyond my expectations! It was an unforgettable experience with plenty of once in a lifetime opportunities.

The guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. One of the reasons I was thrilled to get onboard La Pinta was because it goes to so many of the islands. I am not a huge fan of cruises because I would rather be on land exploring than spending most of my time on a ship. However, there were enough land excursions and water activities that I really feel as though I got to see most of what the islands had to offer. The scenery and wildlife were some of the best I've seen. I really enjoyed being able to get so close to the wildlife. Swimming with wild sea lions was both terrifying and fun.

And, in Quito, Hotel Patio Andaluz was great! I really cannot think of any way that the trip could be improved.

1-3-5-483

Steve W

Joy and Amanda helped with every aspect from planning, setting dates, and assisting me in setting up a very personalized tour in Lima. They never seemed bothered by my requests and were always willing to work out every detail that I desired.

It was indeed a great pleasure to have them to answer my questions and truly deal with even the most minute detail. The trip was phenomenal in every way. The Delfin II is a first class act with their service, food, excursions and knowledge of guides and staff. They always wanted to provide the very best service. The crew was phenomenal. EVERY guide was highly knowledgeable, friendly, and superb. Our waiter was very amiable and kind, and aimed to please!!

1-3-2-444

Tania O.

I think ExpeditionTrips did a fantastic job. They were always responsive and really knew the ins and outs of this trip. I would definitely book future trips with ExpeditionTrips. The trip was exactly what I expected. All went beyond expectations to insure that we had a wonderful trip.

The housekeeping staff was phenomenal. The guides were so informative and the wait staff were as pleasant and helpful as they could be. They were the hardest-working people I've ever encountered! And always with smiles on their faces!

1-3-2-303

Jeanne J.

Working with ExpeditionTrips was very positive. From the outset, our Program Manager and Travel Coordinator were most helpful, and their frequent email contact made me feel welcome and at ease. You're the best!

The trip compared well to expectations; the hotels were lovely, light, and comfortable. The meals were excellent. The excursions were well planned and designed to afford maximum exposure to the flora and fauna. The staff, and especially the guides, were wonderful. My first guide was helpful, and his explanations were clear and comprehensive. I loved his personal anecdote of meeting a hammerhead shark while scuba diving. Our other guide, who brought his little son along, was also a delight. His love of the Islands was apparent in his enthusiasm over every creature and plant.

Dorsi F.

We had an absolutely fabulous Galapagos vacation on the National Geographic Endeavour! Working with Shelley was delightful. She thoroughly explained all my options and answered my questions in a timely manner. Thank you for recommending this trip…my granddaughter and I have unforgettable memories. It was literally a trip of a life time.

From the gal who met us at the airport to the chef on board to every single naturalist, we experienced nothing but perfection. The ship and crew were marvelous, the food was delicious and the animals are indescribable. Talk about perfect! To insure perfection was even more perfect, the organizational ability of those who meet us at the airports, hotels, Zodiacs, ship and plane was top drawer. There were two guides who were particularly outstanding (although all of them were excellent). One took three of us deep water snorkeling even though we were the only ones who wanted to go again. She was in the water the whole time explaining every fish, rock formation and penguin encounter and she taught my granddaughter how to dive down with snorkeling equipment on to get better pictures. Another guide made every hike a joy. He was very informative and made us laugh all the time.

I don't think you could improve on this trip. We would definitely seek ExpeditionTrips’ advice before travelling, especially to unusual places.

1-3-2-535

Gray S.

You excelled in your responsiveness, ease of reservations and payment, friendliness, understanding of our needs and preferences and knowledge of tour options and itineraries. I had high expectations for the trip (in part because of its high cost) but those expectations were met (or exceeded) in every respect.

The cabins were larger and nicer than expected and extremely clean. The food was exceptional (far exceeding expectations) and the dining room staff was pleasant and attentive. One of the younger naturalist guides was especially congenial in talking and spending time with my teenage son. Although the incidents were minor (e.g. daughter with minor 12-hour lower intestinal bug, son with toes scraped on coral, etc), it was comforting to me as a parent to have a medical doctor on board.

There were many memorable parts to the expedition—certainly seeing the unique species of animals. I will never forget snorkeling with sea turtles, sea lions and penguins.

The Galapagos destination was selected by my son as his high school graduation gift. He was attracted by the exotic location, a sense of adventure, and a love for snorkeling. I agreed to the destination, in part, because if its educational value—a way for my kids to better understand and appreciate nature and natural science.

1-3-2-530

Jay Y.

ExpeditionTrips became a great resource. The entire staff was extremely helpful and efficient. My decision to go to the Galapagos was a last-minute one and ExpeditionTrips made planning it practically effortless. The recommendations of the several staff members I spoke with (especially Lori Gifford) were spot on.

I would definitely recommend ExpeditionTrips to others.

The trip met my expectations in every way, and in many ways it exceeded my expectations. The vessel, La Pinta, was great. It was relatively new, spacious, and clean. The crew was fantastic: professional, helpful, and pleasant. Most of all, I appreciated the size of my room; it was larger than many hotel rooms. And the room was cleaned almost within minutes of my leaving for breakfast. The hotel manager was a particular standout. She was knowledgeable, professional, accommodating, and always pleasant. She seemed to really care about our comfort and wellbeing. The food was very good too. My compliments to the chef. In fact, everything about La Pinta was 5 out of 5. (Note: part of this is attributable to the fact there were only 22 guests on board this trip. However, I suspect the service would have been just as good had ship been full.) I only wish there had been more of an opportunity for outdoor dining.

Hands down, swimming with sea lions was by far the most memorable part of the trip. It was a religious experience. I thought I had made a unique, very deep, and very personal connection with these beautiful creatures (until I looked through the fog of my mask only to see that they were playing with everyone else in my group as well. My deeply religious experience turned deeply humbling).

1-3-2-512

Nicolle O.

My experience with ExpeditionTrips was great. I would definitely book future trips with your company. Booking this trip seemed effortless for me. Everything was taken care of, which is what I wanted. I'm too busy to do a lot of the work in booking a trip.

The trip exceeded my expectations. I can’t really think of any suggestions for improvement. The staff, guides and crew exceeded my expectations. They were excited, informative, fun and extremely passionate about their work, making sure we had the best expedition trip.

I had always wanted to see the Galapagos from when I was a child watching National Geographic programs. The hiking trips on the different islands was my favorite part—the naturalists were extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

1-3-2-460

Frederick A.

ExpeditionTrips did a SUPER job for us and you can tell anybody I said so! Every single thing happened just as advertised without a single glitch. The service on the Legend was outstanding. The food was great. The ship is in splendid condition. Our dining-room-table friends scored a tour of the bridge and invited us to go with them - very special.

The most special person we encountered was the Naturalist for our group who took a special interest in our grandson. The naturalist is a very knowledgeable young man and interacted well with the tourists. He took our grandson snorkeling in depths where I was not confortable, got him to lead the group down the next path, and generally paid special attention to him. He was interacting with everyone in the group so this was not an exclusive thing. I doubt he fully understands the positive impact this has had on our grandson, who will remember the "cool guide" his entire life.

1-3-2-427

Lynn L.

Everything was very well organized by ExpeditionTrips. The trip was better than expected, which surprised me since I had high expectations. The staff, guides and crew were wonderful! The captain was very congenial. Our guide was knowledgeable, patient, and very interesting. The crew on board was great -- everyone very helpful. The most memorable part of the expedition to the Galapagos was the teeming wildlife, and the feeling of traveling back in time to a paradise not-yet-touched by humans.

1-3-2-304

Maria D.

The trip and experience were exceptional. We would consider booking future trips with ExpeditionTrips and will recommend your agency to our friends. In fact, we recommended your agency to a colleague this morning. The trip well met all of our hopes and expectations.

The accommodations were excellent, as was the staff of the Red Mangrove lodges. The food was likewise excellent. The staff and guides exceeded our expectations. Our guides were especially accommodating, professional, and personable towards all of us. They went out of their ways to meet all of our needs. The entire experience was memorable and totally enjoyable. Perhaps the most memorable experiences were the well-organized excursions via hiking and snorkeling.

1-3-2-548

Jan B.

My experience working with ExpeditionTrips was uber positive and the trip far exceeded my expectations. It was a dream come true. The service on the Galapagos Explorer II was 5+ star. I was never treated with so much kindness and courtesy. The guides were very professional and safety conscious in a very subtle way.

The room service that decorated our towels was a huge laugh at the end of the day. And the professional photographer is a keeper. She was very accommodating, had a sweet and friendly personality and helped us take superb photos.

Judith S.

I have always had wonderful service with making arrangements through ExpeditionTrips, including hotel rooms and connecting flights. This trip was no exception.

The flight problems in Miami got us off to a challenging start to our trip, but the representative from the shipping company who was with us at the Miami airport was exceptional every moment. I cannot say enough words of praise about her.

The staff on the ship, as well as the naturalists were excellent relating to my grandson. Each of them made sure the scope was low enough for Hayden to see whatever we were looking at. They made sure he had food he liked. They were quick to answer his questions and listened to the information he had to share. He was so proud when he was able to point out a bird, lizard or monkey he located and they praised his knowledge of the names he knew. He is so excited about the trip. This is the fourth trip I have taken with this company and each of them have been very special in their own way, as was this trip.

1-3-4-505

Fred W.

ExpeditionTrips was very attentive and helpful. Compared to all the other travel companies I've worked with, I would easily rate you a 10 plus out of 10. The trip surpassed expectations due to the naturalists. The staff was adorable, lively and very helpful. But the naturalists made the journey exceptional.

Jane G.

My interaction with ExpeditionTrips went very smoothly. You were easy to work with and well organized. The trip was great. The wildlife was amazing! The flora and fauna were special.

The food was good: fresh and plentiful and had nice variety. I appreciated the bottled water in each room. Our guides were great! They were very knowledgeable, capable, professional, and went out of their way to be helpful. They wanted you to have a good time. All of the staff was very nice.

1-3-2-306

Johanna H.

This was one of the best vacations ever!! You excelled in organizing everything for us, but with enough wiggle room so that we didn’t feel like we were being herded from one sight to the next. I would definitely consider booking future trips with you and have already recommended this particular trip to about 10 people so far.

The trip far exceeded our expectations. The most memorable part of the trip was the world class treatment we received. Having our own naturalist/guide and being on an active walking/hiking tour (and not being tied to a boat for accommodation) was a wonderful way to get to know the Galapagos! Our naturalist was amazing! I can’t say enough wonderful things about her! She had great knowledge, and definitely didn’t make you think any question you asked was too dumb. She also adapted to our kooky sense of humor pretty quickly, which was refreshing. This was really an exceptional trip and just what we needed.

1-3-2-391

Ron S.

ExpeditionTrips made it happen on short notice. Every aspect of the trip was delivered as promised. The trip fulfilled my every expectation. The guides were well informed and enthusiastic. The ship’s staff was friendly and efficient. Every need was met, with courtesy and respect. The ship was in excellent condition.

Every time we came aboard, we were greeted with some snacks and juice. The snorkeling equipment was in excellent condition, something we did not expect. Fresh towels were always available, on shore, after snorkel, after hot tub, and in the room. We never saw the room steward, yet it was always clean and stocked with fresh supplies. Our cabin was huge, larger than on any cruise ship we have had. We enjoyed plentiful hot water.

1-3-2-547

Siew-Wan N.

It was a pleasure working with ExpeditionTrips! We will definitely book future trips with you. Your responses to our questions and concerns were prompt and complete. We can't think of any area for improvement. We highly recommend the Galapagos Explorer II. The level of service exceeded our expectations.

We have been on a few cruises and by far, this is our best one ever! One area worth highlighting is the team spirit of all the crew members that we encountered. They work very well together and seem to truly care for the Galapagos as well as the comfort of the guests. We also have the impression that they are proud to be part of the Explorer II family.

We had wanted to do this trip for years, but the costs have been quite prohibitive. This year, we realized we are not getting any younger. Tomorrow may never come. We do not want to regret not visiting the Galapagos while we can. The most memorable part of the trip is seeing the animals in their natural habitat with no fear of us humans.

Marney and Peter B.

We have gone on three ExpeditionTrips adventures and will use your services again if another trip fits our needs. The trip was great!! The trip exceeded expectations in how it was run—like clockwork.

Our experience working with ExpeditionTrips has been a uniformly positive one. Lori and Emily are prompt with information. We have come to rely on their suggestions and observations. Packets are complete and anticipate questions and concerns. I have no suggestions for how to improve. You are doing everything right.

The fellow travelers were also exceptional, always ready on time and excited for the adventure ahead. Nice mix of ages too. I thought the morale on the boat was unusually high at all levels - staff, guides, kitchen staff, and other crew. The Expedition Leader ran a tight ship with everything running smoothly, and with humor and clear rules. He was a wonderful communicator and seemed very accessible to all. In the kitchen, our regular waiter gave us great personal service, remembering our names and what coffee or other item we liked. The food was uniformly great and our cabin was well maintained. When we visited the bridge, the crew was informative and welcoming. I think the snorkeling the last day with over forty sea turtles, a shark, manta rays and schools of colorful fish in a pristine, spectacular setting may have been one of the most memorable parts of the expedition. Having said that, I miss the head butting of the marine iguanas, the knowing looks of the tortoise, the boobies, penguins and other birds.

1-3-2-383

Debbi W.

The service provided by ExpeditionTrips was absolutely outstanding, first rate, top shelf, couldn’t have been better. Emily and April (and Joy the brief time I worked with her) were outstanding on every front. April and Emily buckled down and solved a rescheduled flight problem with my air travel agent when I couldn’t get it resolved after two days of telephone work. They were absolutely awesome. I might not have made the trip at all without their help.

The trip met and exceeded my expectations. It moved very fast, which let us see a lot. The ship’s staff was awesome. Service went above and beyond and that is true for every single person working on the Grace. The guide was excellent; I can’t imagine anyone being better at the job. He’s extremely knowledgeable and his enthusiasm for the islands is contagious. He managed, with grace, to keep us in check and moving along, not an easy task. The chefs were outstanding. Our hostess was perfection personified. The panga drivers were great. Everyone we had contact with - engineers, electricians, captain - were friendly and couldn’t do enough to help the passengers.

The ship, Grace, is gorgeous and luxurious. We were very comfortable in our well-appointed cabin. The bed was wonderful, there was lots of storage space and the shower was huge. The hot tub was terrific after our productive snorkeling trips. There was plenty of comfortable seating all over the ship which made for pleasant spots to read or visit with other guests. The intimacy of a small group is very special. We got to know our fellow travelers very well and made wonderful new friends. More hours in the day is the only thing I can suggest as it would have been nice to squeeze in a nap, during the last few days, though, honestly, I wouldn’t have given up anything we did in exchange.

1-3-2-531

Ron T.

ExpeditionTrips was terrific. There was plenty of communication. Your documentation was accurate and you did everything as promised. I was very pleased and would have no qualms about using your services again in the future.

The trip definitely met our expectations. I could not recommend the ship and the staff more highly. The ship was comfortable, the crew was very hospitable and the guides were excellent. The naturalists were bright, informative and engaging on many topics. They did more than just inform us about the plants, terrain and animals. The crew was exceptional. Our favorite waiter remembered what our kids would not eat and made sure to provide us with options. Everyone on board was thoughtful, helpful, considerate and warm. Even the weather cooperated! It was well organized and interesting every day. We saw no lapses or faults to improve upon.

We had wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands for several years now. We love natural environments and adventure tourism and after visiting Africa and Cost Rica this was next on the list of must-see locations. The varied wildlife definitely made the trip memorable for us. Incredibly, the animals are not shy and they have no fear of humans so you get unbelievable opportunities to observe them in their natural habitats.

1-3-2-536

Sue M.

ExpeditionTrips provided a high level of service. They helped me make choices that were consistent with my travel preferences. The trip surpassed my expectations. My husband, who wasn't especially enthusiastic about going, came back enchanted.

The staff and crew were wonderful. The doctor was especially helpful. I have an injury to my foot and had to be extra careful on uneven surfaces. He was always attentive. He was also very helpful with a nasty cough I developed on the cruise.

We also loved the hotel in Quito, Relicario del Carmen.

1-3-2-572

Lilei H.

Abby gave me a good summary of the options available to me within my budget and I was lucky that the trip I was looking at was on promotion. I am really happy with the boat I decided on. Quite a few of my friends now want to travel to the Galapagos after hearing about my trip, so I would recommend your services to them.

The trip went way beyond my expectations. The guides and staff of the Eric, Flamingo and Letty were amazing! I don't think there was any way of fitting any more activities in, so I really felt like I made the most of my trip. Beyond that, they organized a salsa party for us and we danced under the stars while anchored in Bartholome. Afterwards, the captain turned off all the lights so we could star gaze. I was lucky enough that the other passengers on my boat were in my age group and we all got along really well and experienced memorable things together. The guides were excellent and planned a lot of excursions. We were able to have some rare sightings of animals, so that was really special. The only downside is that this trip will be hard to top!

1-3-2-539

Frances C.

Thank you so much for the most wonderful trip experience of my life. I wish there were a better way to express my gratitude. Your company was so easy to work with and took such care with all the details that I would love to travel through you again…I WILL!!

I have already told many of my friends to consider your company not only for the Galapagos but any other place too. The trip met all of my expectations. I really cannot think of anything I would change. Everyone was superb! The guides were very knowledgeable and attentive to our needs and care. I can say the same for all the staff of the ship. The doctor was always available and the captain came out and talked to us, greeted us, and just made us feel welcome and at ease. The celebration for crossing the equator was absolutely wonderful!! Our head guide was so friendly and caring. While deep sea snorkeling we actually came upon a manta ray swimming near our panga while we were going to the deep water. He excitedly pointed it out to us and urged us into the water to see this wonder. Of course, it was swimming away and some of us were hurrying to get into the water. But we got in as fast as we could and I heard the guide asking each person "Did you see it? It is over here! Come over here!" He so wanted everyone to see it. I thought that was because he really cared. Not just as an employee, but he was genuinely excited and wanted us all to share the experience.

I love Charles Darwin and have been a big fan of his for years. I have read many of his works and love to read about the continuing evidence for and literature surrounding the theory of evolution. For this reason I so wanted to go to the Galapagos. The most memorable part of my trip, and there were many, was the deep sea snorkeling. But by far the best part of the trip for me was walking the path Darwin must have walked on around Lake Darwin and the research center and seeing Lonesome George.

1-3-2-538

Ildiko D.

I was very pleased with every aspect of dealing with ExpeditionTrips. I would be happy to book trips with you in the future, and I have been recommending you to many people who are interested in travel to the Galapagos Islands. For me, the entire trip, every minute of it, was most memorable—the best trip in my life.

I was very pleased with the excellent, efficient and courteous customer service and I felt very comfortable speaking with any one of your representatives. The trip exceeded my expectations: I expected it should be wonderful, but it was most wonderful! I could not possibly think of any way to improve something that was so perfect.

The Galapagos Islands have been on my "dream list" for a very long time. However, I only began planning on going there sometime last winter, when during dinner at my house, my friend and I were having a conversation about traveling, and I decided that I wanted to go to the Galapagos Islands with her in 2010. I decided that it's about time to start living my life.

I did a lot of research, read everything I could get my hands on, and picked out the islands that we should visit, and the time of the year when to go there. It took a lot of phone calls to find a ship which had the exact itinerary that I wanted: Isabela II.

Monica and David A.

Our experience working with ExpeditionTrips was great. The trip was everything we thought it would be! Joy was extremely responsive to any requests we made and she always answered very promptly.

If she didn't know the answer immediately, she always sent us a note to say that and told us when she thought she would have the requested information.

We were met at the airport in Quito and taken to our hotel and back to the airport etc by very nice guides in a very efficient manner. The staff, guides and crew on La Pinta were wonderful and went out of their way to be helpful. One woman on the trip had a bad experience walking on the uneven lava and was nervous of going out again; so the next time out the guides took her on a panga ride by herself so she wasn't just left on the ship. One panga boat ride we took through the mangroves was spectacular and we saw many different species, including a flightless cormorant we saw catch and eat an eel as big as itself! We also thoroughly enjoyed watching the sea lions and their young pups! One day we had lunch up on the sundeck (under a big canopy) which featured Ecuadorian food. It was delicious and gave us the chance to try different foods. In my view it was the best meal of the entire trip.

1-3-2-527

Lynne F.

I would definitely plan a trip with your group again. I've mentioned how great Shelley was, and I hope you tell her that I reserve her for special praise. It was a joy to work with all of you. I would definitely plan a trip with your group again.

As for the ship’s staff and guides, what more can I say? Everyone tried 120% to please us, to make us happy, and to care for our health and safety. It was a perfect blend. The superb service on the National Geographic Endeavour was surprising beyond words and just added to the wonders of the trip. It was way beyond my expectations. I could not even dream of how to improve it.

1-3-5-658

Richard and Joan C.

Ashton, from ExpeditionTrips.com, was very helpful. I would book again! I was inspired to take this trip because we had the desire to see the eco-system of the Amazon River. With that said, the trip met all of my expectations. The crew was excellent and the guides were especially good! The most memorable part of our trip was seeing the variety of birds and mammals.

1-3-2-532

Jessie P.

Our experience working with ExpeditionTrips was very positive. As for customer service, I would give you a 10. All calls to the office were extremely well attended. The entire trip was so well managed. We were both so impressed.

All of the ship’s staff was professional and pleasant. We both loved the experience of having a floating hotel. I was especially pleased with the cabins of La Pinta. They were roomy and the window large enough to sit in one’s own cabin and enjoy watching the wildlife. It was all wonderful. I always wanted to see the animals of the Galapagos and they were the best part.

1-3-2-804

Stephen and Vickie F.

I saw your website, was impressed, asked some questions, was more impressed with the answers and booked it; so glad we did! The whole trip was a dream come true! The Galapagos has been a place we have long dreamed of going to and it exceeded all our expectations. The animals were amazing. The ships staff was all wonderful.

The guides were knowledgeable and friendly; the cruise director was outstanding.

In Peru, the hotels were great--I could never have imagined how beautiful the Inca Terra or Sol y Luna grounds would be. The people who picked us up at the airport and at the hotels were totally punctual EVERY TIME! The hacienda we had lunch at the first day in the Sacred Valley was amazing and Mrs. Nilda's weaving place was fascinating. When I bought a modest table runner, they brought the lady who had woven it to meet me. She was so proud; it nearly brought tears to my eyes!

1-3-2-810

Ruth B.

I liked using ExpeditionTrips because they were able to help me narrow down what boats would be good for me to consider given my interests. My Program Manager always got back to me quickly regarding any question I had and when he didn't know the answer, he was happy to find out. I appreciated his help on travel insurance, transfers and hotel accommodations.

It made planning the trip very easy and trouble free. I don't think I've planned a trip so quickly. The Grace was stunning with beautifully appointed cabin rooms and common areas...

I loved the hot tub, especially after snorkeling. Rafa, the naturalist was very knowledgeable about all things Galapagos and he imparted his knowledge in a way that everyone could understand. He was a joy to be around. The crew was extremely helpful and friendly. The captain would blow the whistle to alert us to sea life sightings (e.g. dolphins). The food was plentiful and good, the equipment (e.g. wet suits, snorkel gear) looked new and worked great.

I wanted a warm place to go in December, to a place I've never been before. I didnt have a lot of time to plan. This was the perfect vacation. The clincher was the two for one price. The most memorable part was traveling around a beautiful pristine place with a fabulous naturalist and sharing with 15 other curious, interesting people.

Side Note: I thought the Hotel Patio Andaluz in Quito was just okay. The location was good, as was the breakfast but I wasn't thrilled with the rooms.

1-3-2-866

Beth B.

My experience with ExpeditionTrips was excellent. They were informative and responsive to all my needs and guided me properly to make the right decisions about the ship I chose and the hotel in Quito. I really appreciated their guidance. Our trip was fabulous; it exceeded our expectations.

I believe that we were fortunate in that we had two excellent guides (with very different styles) and a total group size of 20. The ship's crew demonstrated pride in what they did. The ship was impeccably maintained and the food was superb.

The guides were knowledgeable, informative, and committed to preservation of the Galapagos and there wasn't an elitist among the crew. They all seemed to pitch in wherever needed. The itinerary was packed full.

The Galapagos was on our short list of places to visit but we were motivated to immediate action by the special rate that was being offered. The most memorable part is that the Galapagos are so ruggedly primitive and so unchanged; took us back to our human roots.

1-3-2-864

Howard and Sydnee A.

There is no question; working with ExpeditionTrips certainly was a positive experience. The entire trip was extremely well-planned and covered everything that we wanted! It met, if not, exceeded our expectations and throughout our guides were terrific! Our ship in the Galapagos, the Islander was great!

We were inspired to take this trip because this was our chance, with the kids out and before we were too advanced in years, to take a long trip that included physical exertion and adventure. All was memorable!

The Galapagos was amazing, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu were awe-inspiring, and the Amazon was for me (Howard) perhaps the most fascinating part, probably because I read several books on the subject before we left.

The scheduling was just right. We took too much luggage and would stress the need to travel light. It didn't matter for the Islander, as they handled everything. It mattered after that. Also, the difficulty getting anything to dry in the Amazon cannot be overemphasized. Another tip would be, at the Lima airport, to be sure to stay inside the terminal building to meet your transfer driver.

1-3-2-828

MS and FS

Weve wanted to go to the Galapagos for a long time and finally did it! It was perfect could not have wished for more! Seeing so many creatures up-close and personal was awesome; and, as a first-time snorkeler, it was amazing to see the great diversity of life below the surface of the water.

It was pleasure to work with Shelley and Emily and we will certainly consider booking other expedition-type trips with you. Everyone went out of their way to make our expedition a wonderful experience.

1-3-2-786

Benjamin C.

My experience working with ExpeditionTrips was very positive. Your group pulled together an excellent trip in about 1 week's time. You managed all of the details based on a significant amount of professional experience, so I never had to worry about anything! The Galapagos was great with so many animals so close!

The Amazon was even better; so many animals and the bugs weren't so bad. The Napo Wildlife Center, in the Amazon, exceeded all of my expectations; superb service on the things that mattered, phenomenal national and local naturalists (one of the guides, Mauro, was outstanding); extremely comfortable room and what a great mosquito net! I always dreamed of visiting the Amazon and Galapagos; it was well worth it!!

1-3-2-885

Gary and Susan J.

Thank you for all your help Abby, Emily and Ashton! You were all very pleasant to deal with during this booking. The Xpedition is a nice ship and is well maintained. The staff was very helpful, friendly and responsive to our needs. Thank you for arranging the J.W. Marriott in Quito for us, it was very nice.

One of the highlights of the trip for us was watching the blue-footed boobies fishing. We really enjoyed this trip, as well as the Antarctic Peninsula cruise that you helped us with, and we are giving thought to heading way, way South once again (this time we will include South Georgia)!

1-3-2-879

Michele and David K.

ExpeditionTrips was referred to me by a friend and I can understand why she felt good about suggesting that I, too, use ExpeditionTrips for my trip planning. The trip exceeded my expectations. I was very pleased with all aspects - food, room, service, the ship, it wall all good!!

Shelley was wonderful to work with and send oodles of questions to. Everything from questions about luggage to money, to clothing to side trips—she was knowledgeable and helpful. Her service was key to my trip's success. Emily was helpful with details about our tours.

Choosing a larger boat worked out well. We met lots of people who were very interesting and my 16 year old had a good number of other teens to "hang with.” There were always options for each activity and that worked well. If you didn't want to hike you could snorkel or hang on the beach. The crew did a good job of monitoring people, moving them from activity to activity or location to location so that people could "do it all" if they wanted to.

The Expedition Leader ran a great program. Her staff worked well together. I was impressed with the knowledge the naturalists shared. They were friendly and helpful, too. I have to sing the praises of the Zodiac drivers. They did a fab job handling the boats, even taking us to see dolphins on our way back to the ship. They are masters at what they do! The ship's crew did a great job maintaining the ship, doing what needed to be done and always with a smile on!

1-3-2-842

Michael and Leslie D.

Every step of the way I felt that the staff at ExpeditionTrips was there for us; we will definitely use ExpeditionTrips again! We took this trip because my wife and I were celebrating our retirement and it exceeded any expectations we had! Each and every day in the Galapagos was a wonderful surprise! The service on board the Isabela II was great.

We joked that there must be a crew member hiding under the bed, as we never saw anyone in our room, yet it was always kept in tip top shape! Another example of the exceptional service was the day trip to Otavalo; the guide was both pleasant and knowledgeable.

1-3-2-564

Ken T.

ExpeditionTrips did a great job helping us plan for our trip. We especially liked how you responded to emails right away. The staff was excellent at every step, from the staff at ExpeditionTrips here in Seattle to the entire crew aboard the Flamingo. The trip met or exceeded our expectations. We loved every moment of it.

We especially liked how they divided the passengers up among the three boats (Flamingo, Letty and Eric). It seems like this flexibility allowed for us to be paired with travelers with similar needs/expectations. I don’t think other companies can do this. We loved the other passengers on the Flamingo and have been corresponding with them all since the trip. We love trips that combine adventure and education and the animals in the Galapagos were probably the most memorable. It is amazing how both land and sea animals will interact with humans.

1-3-2-537

David D.

I have no reservations in rating the service from ExpeditionTrips as a solid 10 out of 10. Congratulations on being part of a world-class company! Your performance shows this well. I have had only positive experiences working with ExpeditionTrips.

Special mention to Shelley, Emily and Amanda for their always rapid responses and communications. I have absolutely no reservations in recommending ExpeditionTrips as a first class agency, and it became apparent from talking to others on board that they feel the same way. I think one way you excel is that you manage to make the customer your first priority- a query to another service company (ie: software) usually results in a lengthy wait for a response. With ExpeditionTrips you never feel you are just a client number. I cannot think of any ways to improve.

The ship was very well maintained and run, with a crew that handled all aspects of their jobs very well. We observed the landing of zodiacs from other ships and everyone noted that ours were much safer and professional. Special mention to the hotel manager and his management of the 'hotel' part of the ship. Food was plentiful and very good, with an imaginative variety and well presented. Cabin maintenance was rapid and totally unobtrusive. Our naturalist guides were exceptional. Each had their own individual style, and was eager to accept questions and tell stories. Our expectations were met on every level. We saw no areas that could or should be improved.

My most memorable part of the trip was the complete disregard of the wildlife to the humans moving around them. The mating/re-connection dance of the boobies was especially memorable. For my wife, the best moment was the opportunity to swim with sea lions and Galapagos penguins.

1-3-5-456

Carol K.

My experience with ExpeditionTrips has been very positive from the first conversation with Joy and subsequent communications with many of the people involved. I would definitely book a trip with you again and have been raving to friends about the many positive experiences. The trip exceeded my expectations!

The guides were wonderful at fostering a team atmosphere. Introducing themselves and the crew the first day was a good idea. The small number of people helped a lot to foster a group feeling but I especially liked the fact that the guides switched between the canoes but the people stayed the same eight each day. It’s always awkward the first time a group meets so their ideas were very effective and didn't seem forced. I think actually seeing the three-toed sloth in the wild was one of the memorable experiences for me but there were many so it’s difficult to single out just one.

1-3-2-829

Christie M.

This trip exceeded expectations! The guide was especially wonderful, and the crew was great. I have always wanted to see the Galapagos and this was the last chance I would have to do it for at least 3 years. The only thing I regret is not making better plans to spend my time in Quito.

1-3-2-775

Mark C. and Family

We just returned from our trip. Everything was great! Thank you for all the help! I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone. The tour staff people were all excellent. I can’t say enough good things about them. They helped us through all phases of the trip, from the time we first arrived in Quito to the time we left for the US.

The Santa Cruz was great. Our guide Vanessa was very knowledgeable and Lupe and Pillar were great. I have no complaints at all. The buses were all new and clean and everyone was so organized and helpful, which was a huge help as we were traveling with a 9 year old and a 79 year old. The ship was not full, only 58 passengers, so we had a lot of room. The service was outstanding, the food was great - it really could not have been better.

1-3-2-787

Brian and Kimber G.

Thank you again; you guys were great! Our trip was outstanding! The crew onboard the Galapagos Explorer II was awesome!! The guides were very tolerant and extremely knowledgeable! We have wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands for about 10 years to see the marine iguanas and land iguanas (inspired by our own green iguana)!

It would have been awesome if we could have snorkeled at noon when the marine iguanas were entering the water for their lunch. However, many of the areas where we were with the largest groups of marine iguanas were not areas where we were permitted to snorkel.

The shining stars onboard the ship for us were: Octavio, our head maître d, John our bartender and dancer extraordinaire, Hernan, Adrien, Jessica, Cesar and Billy were our favorite and most fun guides. These 7 absolutely made it the fun-filled trip of a lifetime! It was hard to come home!

1-3-2-811

Steven R.

My experience with ExpeditionTrips was very positive. From the beginning, I worked with Shelley to figure out what would be best. She was very friendly and was very accommodating to my travel preferences. I would definitely book a trip with you in the futureyou did an excellent job of making my trip truly hassle-free.

Everything was taken care of, and all the background and travel information was extremely helpful. The trip far surpassed my expectations. I honestly can't think of any ways to improve the trip. The ship was beautiful, the food was great, and everyone was super friendly...

The staff, guide, and crew of Sagitta were awesome. Every day the crewmember who cleaned our cabins would leave us fresh towels in a different towel-origami assortment: volcanoes, swans, you name it! Also, for our farewell dinner, the chef made all sorts of decorations out of food...a melon tortoise, pine-apple puffer fish, and a watermelon and yuca palm tree to name a few. It was quite a sight!

1-3-2-825

Jim D.

You excelled in every way. I had a long standing desire to go to the Galapagos Islands and the trip met all my expectations. The staff, guides and crew on the ship were all fantastic. They loved their jobs and they were excellent communicators. The most memorable aspect of the expedition was the animals.

1-3-2-865

Dave and Karen F.

Firstly, Ill say without hesitation, that the trip was fantastic. It was the experience of a lifetime; one we will be reliving for a very long time! We were highly impressed with the service provided by ExpeditionTrips. When we plan another major vacation, ExpeditionTrips will be the place I will look first. Onboard the Eclipse, we were well taken care of.

The wildlife was active we even saw the blue-footed booby mating dance! At times it seemed as if the animals were putting on a show for the tourists, and we couldnt get over how completely oblivious of our presence they appeared to be. We were also very impressed with how well-run the Galapagos park system is, to ensure minimal damage to the environment.

Onboard, we had excellent guides 4 for 41 passengers, so were never in a large group. The guides were very well-trained and all spoke excellent English. The crew was equally pleasant and efficient. Our cabin was first class, the food was excellent and abundant and there were all the amenities we could need. Snorkeling equipment was provided and there was a helpful briefing each evening about the following days activities. There was a variety of fellow passengers, from young children to seniors (I guess were in the latter category!) and we got on well with all of them.She is a lovely ship, a perfect size we would say, and extremely well-maintained (far more so than some of the other cruise ships we saw). As for the Galapagos themselves, I probably dont need to tell you what a mind-altering experience it is to witness evolution still in progress.

We cannot say enough positive things about your land agent who provided our drivers & guides in Quito. When we exited the Quito Airport at the beginning of our trip, someone was there with a sign and all our anxieties after a rough day vanished. We were told exactly when we would be picked up prior to our flight to Galapagos, and when it was discovered that the Galapagos plane was delayed they arranged for us to wait in the VIP lounge. For our excursion to the Mindo cloud forest, we had a guide, a driver & an SUV to ourselves and had a fabulous day. The guide was Richard (Ricardo) and the driver was Carlos. I would request them again if we ever go back. In hindsight, an extra day in Quito to take a tour of the city itself would have been nice. Several of our fellow travelers had done this and greatly enjoyed it.

It was fascinating to see the different state of each island, from lava deserts to mangrove forests to cultivated farmland and the way the flora and fauna have adapted to local conditions is astounding. We saw all the wildlife we expected to see, even orcas which we followed in our panga (zodiac), which was considered very fortunate. The Charles Darwin Research Station was extremely informative and fascinating, and the town of Puerto Ayora satisfied our tourist shopping needs!

We decided to take a special trip in 2009 as this is the year we both turn 60 and also our 20th wedding anniversary and this trip met, even exceeded, our expectations!

1-3-2-568

Edward M.

You excelled in finding the right package and ship for us. We were unsure if we wanted a very small ship or a larger ship. During our search for a tour company you responded to all questions promptly and efficiently. You were able to help us plan a trip that fit our wants, and in the end it was exactly what we wanted.

All documentation was in order and you assured us we would have no issues with local contacts and accommodations. Everything did in fact go like clockwork.

We did a lot of reading of reviews and books before we left and we had very high expectations. The entire trip far exceeded our expectations. We had hoped to see some of the things we read about. We did and we did and we did. It seems we saw it all. We believe selecting a small ship and being on the ship for seven nights helped in this regard. The smaller ships could go places where the larger ships could not and the seven nights/eight days allowed us to visit the western most islands to the eastern most islands. Our ship had 20 passengers and 2 naturalists. We can’t think of any specific item that could be improved.

The service by the local guides and ship’s staff was excellent. What impressed us most was the fantastic treatment by the local tour company. They were there on time every time and the service provided by them at the airports was way beyond expectations. They took our check-in bags and processed them for us at the airport, arranged and got our tickets and all other required documents. Essentially we just needed to get to the airport by their private coach and they did everything else. The ship crew was also excellent. Our two naturalists actually lived in the Islands and they were fantastic. They explained every detail and answered every question. Their personalities were great and they took pride in what they did and in their Islands which they call Paradise in a humorous manner but also really meaning it.

The most memorable part of the trip was the first island we visited. We landed on a beach and did a short hike on the island. We were blown away by the beauty of the wildlife and how close you could come to the animals. The birds were spectacular and the water crystal clear with manta rays swimming in the shallows. The entire trip was memorable but our first taste will always be remembered because of the initial awe.

1-3-2-574

Nancy A.

ExpeditionTrips was professional and sent quick responses. You were able to meet the need for a truly last minute trip! The trip met my most optimistic expectations. Our guide provided knowledge, humor and energy. The housekeeper on the boat checked our room almost anytime we left it and kept it lovely.

Our server met us as we reboarded from every excursion with fresh juice or sodas and usually a small snack; it was wonderful. Also, I have to mention that our fellow boat passengers helped make the trip. People who go to the Galapagos have a sense of adventure and interest in history and the natural world, so you almost certainly will feel like you're in a group of people with similar interests! Seeing the wildlife up so close (both land and marine) and learning so much about natural history, geology and evolution/Darwin all in one trip were some of the most memorable parts of the expedition. Not to mention the weather and beaches are fantastic!

1-3-2-867

Laura B.

We have booked with ExpeditionTrips in the past and will again--outstanding! Since we have done this type of travel before, we had certain "expectations" and I can truly say these folks were the best. The guides had a true passion for the Galapagos.

We were so incredibly fortunate to have had two guides and only 11 passengers! The crew of the Sagitta was marvelous. The boat was kept impeccably clean.

One of the guides was an intern on her last week of training, the other was the President of the Galapagos Guides Association! They knew so much about this special place. They could answer questions and tell stories about the wildlife, history, geology, sea currents. They were both absolutely fantastic--so smart, patient and kind, too.

The crew of the Sagitta was marvelous. The boat was kept impeccably clean. Our cabins were cleaned and made up first thing. They even left "towel sculptures" in our cabins depicting various birds, animals and fish of the Galapagos. The crew was always so friendly, watchful and helpful. They immediately took our snorkel gear and wet suits and rinsed them when we came on board, they cleaned off our shoes and stacked them away. They were great.

The food was excellent--tons of fresh vegetables, fruit, fish and meat. I mean TONS! Fresh squeezed juices at breakfast and lunch. Breakfast always included eggs, pancakes or French toast, ham, cheese, bread, cereal, fruit, milk, juice... Lunch usually was soup, three to four different fresh salads, grilled or sauced fish or chicken, fresh French fries or other potatoes and another huge platter of fruit. Dinners included wonderful chicken, beef or fish main courses, three different kinds of vegetables and salads, rice or pasta and dessert. There were even two nights when they made fresh birthday cakes, one for my father-in-law! And finally, when we returned from our various excursions, we were frequently met by a crew member or the chef who would offer us ice cold fresh juice, or in the afternoons, fresh hot snacks like empanadas or chicken wings.

The snorkeling was the most incredible we have ever done. There was more wildlife than we could possibly have imagined. We saw Orcas, dolphins, manta rays, golden rays, eagle rays, sting rays, sharks, millions of fish, sea turtles, sea horses, and sea lions galore! We saw Galapagos hawks, tortoises, blue footed boobies, albatross, frigate birds, pelicans, penguins, tropic birds, lava herons, and I can't even remember the rest.

1-3-2-569

Ian and Elizabeth M.

The trip was magical and memorable. I appreciated the personal attention from your company as well as the quick responses to questions and concerns. Ours was a group booking with individuals traveling at different times and from different countries.

I am sure that our individual needs and concerns were often demanding but you always responded helpfully and dealt with us with great patience as we tried to make up our minds and get ourselves organized.

I give high praise for the quality and level of service onboard the ship. The crew was friendly, helpful and efficient. Cabins were small but exceptionally well designed and outfitted. The food was good - nothing spectacular but extremely well prepared with plenty of fresh fruit and fish. We particularly appreciated being greeted every time we returned from snorkeling or a land excursion with attractive snacks and iced drinks. This was one of the smaller boats (20 passengers) but it did not feel crowded. One of the benefits of the smaller boat was that we were able to get into the smaller landings and were often the only boat there. The guides were good, particularly on the topics of local flora and fauna, and were very approachable. The trip exceeded expectations that were very high. There was an excellent balance between encountering wildlife ashore through landings and opportunities for snorkeling (deep water and from the beach). The usual routine was an early morning activity and back onboard for a leisurely lunch then a mid-afternoon excursion or snorkeling. There was plenty of time to relax and no pressure to go on excursions or swim if you preferred to stay onboard and read or sunbathe. I am hard pressed to think how the experience could be improved. I would highly recommend this itinerary which took us to Genovesa and then tracked the geological history of the islands from the youngest and still volcanically active (Fernandina) to the oldest and allowed us to see and explore a wide range of habitats and islands. Each island provides a different experience and I would not have wanted to eliminate any one from the itinerary.

I have been imagining, planning and thinking about this trip for many years and simply decided that it was now or never. It would be hard to select one single event or memory as being the most memorable. Each day and island seemed to bring a new experience or sighting from Red-Footed Boobies on Genovesa to flightless Cormorants on Fernandina. We also saw Fur Seals, Albatross, Penguins, Giant Tortoises, Turtles and Manta Rays. The final evening, when sailing back to San Cristobal from Espanola, we encountered a large pod of Bryde's Whales which surfaced all around the Flamingo. It's one thing to read about the wildlife and even see the spectacular nature films, but the actual experience is vivid, intense and far exceeds expectations.

Denise and Jason F.

The trip was amazing, the only thing I would change is having more time on the islands or on excursions, I felt we were at times rushed from enjoying the wildlife.

Never having been to the galapagos inspired our trip, the most memorable part were the type of animals/reptiles/birds found nowhere else in the world along with the passengers and workers on the ship. The staff and crew exceeded my expectations, I've been on bigger more luxurious trips and this crew was amazing, almost like family.

1-3-2-731

Debbie and Mark H.

It was a pleasure working with ExpeditionTrips. My questions were answered promptly and professionally and you offered excellent suggestions and made all the arrangements necessary for a very 'easy' vacation. The trip surpassed my expectations and no improvements were needed. Snorkeling with the sea turtles and sea lions was the highlight.

EVERYONE WAS FRIENDLY, HELPFUL, COURTEOUS AND EXTREMELY WELL INFORMED. The guides were very knowledgeable and very proud of 'their Galapagos'.

1-3-2-886

Johanna S.

Thanks a lot for your help organizing our trip, I will for sure recommend ExpeditionTrips to my friends! The trip was above all my expectations; it was all such a great experience! I really enjoyed when we were on each island, it was like we were all alone with our group; no tourism of other groups. It was also nice to be on a small yacht, not a big boat.

Everybody on the yacht, staff, guides and the crew were very helpful and offered great service!

Katherine B.

My experience with ExpeditionTrips was exceptionally positive and I would go through you again without hesitation. I appreciated all the hand-holding that you provided every step of the way.

It was a comfort to know that all arrangements would be handled here and abroad, that we would be met at our hotels and airports by courteous individuals who knew our itineraries and needs. I have wanted to visit the Galapagos since I was young and seeing all the wildlife was so thrilling--it was the trip of a lifetime.

1-3-2-868

Beata A.

Thank you so much for all your help in arranging everything for us. It was really a trip of a lifetime and we are happy to book more trips with you. We loved Galapagos, my children did not want to come home at all. We enjoyed Napo as well. Naturalists amazed us with their knowledge and staff was always helpful everywhere.

Special thanks to Shelley for her patience towards my many-many questions and for all the good hints she gave to us.

We need to express special thanks to your partner, Metropolitan. They helped us even when we faced airline baggage delivery problems (Actually my husband got back his pack after Galapagos. He had a ten-minute shopping time in Baltra -- so no wonder he has most of our Galapagos T-shirts and shorts in his 'portfolio' now...) Thanks again for your help. Hope to travel with you again in the future.

1-3-2-750

Alison M.

Everyone at ExpeditionTrips is wonderful. We felt very cared for and you all were able to answer all last minute queries and worries without missing a beat. We are thrilled that we found you! Our trip expectations were far surpassed by the excellence of each and every bit of the adventure. After snorkeling, fresh towels waited for us on the zodiacs.

Hot chocolate waited on the ship and the chocolates in our cabin nightly was a nice treat.

The most memorable part was snorkeling with penguins and sea lions, learning so much from the naturalists, seeing our son so engaged in the hiking and the wildlife and feeling so at home on the National Geographic Islander.

Every person on the Nat'l Geo. Islander provided much more than what we anticipated. Their energy, their kindliness, their excitement at sharing their wisdom was outstanding. Every crew member wanted us to feel at home. Their encouragement and friendliness led to our son making friends with the crew as well as the other children on board. They can combine a relaxed atmosphere with unsurpassed service. Their organizational abilities were incredible. We were cared for from the moment we reached the gate in Miami to our last stop in Quito. Transportation was a breeze because of their assistance.

We also really appreciated the different activity options each day and how the guides would let us know if the landing was to be a dry or wet one. The ship doctor helped me out when my leg was painful (from an injury from before the trip) and fresh ice was always available when I needed to ice my leg. One day we were lucky enough to have a pod of bottle nosed dolphins riding beneath us and alongside us. To have the crew and staff join us in our excitement and joy made that experience even better! And when some people were snorkeling and a manta ray was spotted, to have one guide yell, 'Manta Ray!' loud enough so those on the ship could hear it, it's a testament to their commitment to the archipelago. This one truly is a trip of a lifetime!

1-3-2-823

Gene and Mary R.

ExpeditionTrips excelled in personal information and contact. The trip was beyond our expectations- both in terms of seeing nature and in terms of the human side-the ship, the food, the guides, etc. 2 nights of motoring to the next island were rougher than were used to. Some mild nausea in our group then.

I dont know if a bigger ship would help that, or what the tradeoffs would be. All the ship and land based operations were terrific. The guides on the ship were great, especially Pablo. The most memorable part is very hard the island hikes were the best for us. We and other passengers found the breakfast and lunch buffets to be excellent. We all wished there were more dinner choices.

1-3-2-730

Kathy P.

Your website offered a wealth of information. I am so glad that we did both legs (plus Napo) of the trip. They are different experiences and I would recommend both to everyone who is able to take the time. Then I consistently spoke with Shelley. She is great. So encouraging and helpful in answering questions and making suggestions.

She was able to arrange all of our transfers and air arrangements. We counted 10 airplane landings!!!! The Polaris cabins and wait staff were so attentive. The cabins and dining room were spotless. The Zodiac drivers are amazing. All of the Naturalists were fabulous. Knowledgable and so nice and friendly. No question was silly. They knew all the answers.

Shelley also suggested Patio Andaluz in Quito and it was darling and the food was great. The wait staff were so friendly and helpful. We even got complimentary drinks and appetizers with our dinner. Also, my daughters were so happy with the free internet access. The ground agent in Quito was also great. They were always on time and the guide for the city tour was great. Also, thanks to you for the hats and the complimentary expedition DVD's.

It was an all around great experience, but the animals were the greatest. The destination was as expected from all of the DVD's and books we researched. I can't think of anything that needed to be improved on.

They were also helpful with physical assistance. I had a ligament problem in my ankle and they were always there to help me transfer and to suggest using the great walking sticks available on the ship. We used the glass bottom boat on each offering and it was a great alternative to snorkeling for us who do not 'do water'. The girls kayaked and snorkeled, though. We found that the cabins that we had, 102 and 104 were great. They are the lowest and therefore, seemed to sway the least. There was some rocking of the boat! They were also just as large, if not larger than the other level cabins. We also enjoyed the Polaris size as there is a great mix of people and everyone changed eating arrangements so that we were able to mingle with just about everyone.

We loved Napo. It is a little slice of heaven. The people are wonderful. All of the staff was so knowledgeable and personable. The cabanas were homey and comfortable. The showers were always warm and powerful. I cannot say enough good things. We were told that the fame is spreading quickly and they are booked through January, so you may have trouble getting people in there now. I would highly recommend the entire experience!! It is so great that they are doing so well and that it is all community run now.

For us, the 4 days was good. We didn't know what to expect and it turned out ok. One has to be able-bodied to go here. The canoe trips are great, but after 2 and a half hours our knees and backs were grumbling. The walk to the tower was long and a little hard as I had recently torn a ligament in my ankle. The stairs were many also. The girls were fine with it. My husband and I were ok, but were on the slower side with the guides splitting up for us to accommodate our slower pace. The clay lick was great. We did not go to the farther one. The tower attached to the dining room was also great. We saw much wildlife from up there.

The only downside, which was under no one's control, was the very wet motorized canoe ride. It was pouring rain the whole morning. Our flight was delayed as the airport was closed from the storm. We got there and then it started to pour again. They give everyone ponchos for the ride and plastic bags for the luggage and bags. Even gave us a Napo napsack with our lunch inside.

Also, we were glad that we left some of our luggage in Quito as Napo is very damp. All and all, I would certainly recommend this trip to anyone who is in the least bit interested. I have to admit that I was a little nervous about it, but it turned out wonderful. We want to thank you for all of your help with our trip!

1-3-2-733

Sophie S.

Thanks for helping us to organize one of the most memorable trips of our life! Even before you sent me this questionnaire I was going to write and say that if the quality of the experience that you provide for other parts of the world is comparable to the cruise on La Pinta - we are in! This trip exceeded our expectations!

It is a very special place on Earth and we wanted to visit it as a family. Snorkeling right next to the amazing sea life was the most amazing. We felt welcomed, pampered and respected. Everyone was very professional. We travelled with children, and were so pleased to find that they had the entire safety and snorkeling gear in their sizes on board.

1-3-2-869

Elaine and Steve S.

I just want to thank you and all those involved in making our trip a total success. The islands were AMAZING!!! We couldn't wait to see what animals awaited us each morning and afternoon. It was the experience of a lifetime!! The transfers went very smoothly.

The Quito city and Otavalo Market guides were very knowledgeable, fun and very courteous. The ship was much nicer than I expected. We loved our room with a balcony. The first time we've ever had a balcony on a cruise.

The first day they took us to a barren island and we saw three iguanas. My husband and I both thought, hmmm, surely this trip offers more than this. The second day we climbed the 360 steps and saw a couple of birds. Again we thought, beautiful scenery but where are the animals. That afternoon the cruise tours redeemed themselves!!! Wow, sea lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, etc.

Again, thank you for all your help. I will highly recommend Expeditiontrips.com to those awaiting this same experience.

1-3-2-752

Harvey A.

This was the trip of a lifetime!!!! I wasn't sure what to expect but everything was totally awesome. All the passengers seemed to be very interested in everything that was going on. Not like the cruise I went on to Alaska where when they announced that whales had been spotted and only 30 passengers out of 2000 showed up on the bow!!!!!

They only had one naturalist but that was all they needed since most of the people were apparently there to shop. Yuck!! It was great to be with like-minded folk.

I assumed the food would be good but it was even better than I imagined. I loved how there were always options so even my elderly father-in-law could enjoy the scenery and animals. Every day was an adventure and always a lot of fun AND educational.

I was very impressed with all the guides. They really knew their stuff and if there was something they weren't sure about they would look it up and tell you the correct answer. Always patient. More than once I had a guide tell me - when I would apologize for asking yet again what something was - 'Don't worry about asking me to repeat. That just shows that you really want to learn and understand. The only question I don't like is 'when's lunch?''

We've always dreamed of seeing the Galapagos - but never thought we would get the opportunity - and then my father-in-law offered to pay half!

1-3-2-753

Susan G.

We had the most wonderful time in Quito and then onto the Galapagos Islands. I like to say that we flew into Jurassic Park and then spent a week in Paradise. We were met at the airport as planned. The Hotel Patio Andaluz was absolutely beautiful. We had a two story suite (room #201). I do not know how you arranged that, but thank you!!

Our room on the Flamingo - Iguana deck room #10 was one of the two largest on the yacht. The other rooms are quite small. One note, I do not know if there is anything one can do to mitigate the altitude issue in Quito. If you know of anything, you might pass it along. Of course, coming from Florida and sea level, it was quite an adjustment. We would certainly love to travel with you again and would be happy to recommend you.

1-3-2-824

Jeffrey G.

I would absolutely rate ExpeditionTrips a perfect 10. My Program Manager was great. My emails and calls were answered so quickly EVERY time I could hardly believe it. Other companies take days to return calls sometimes. This trip exceeded my expectations in every way. The guides knew the island flora and fauna inside and out.

There was not a question they couldn’t answer. One guide in particular was really superior. He has been doing this for years and his enthusiasm and knowledge was outstanding. They also did an excellent job of placing groups of people on the three ships. Everyone got along great and we made lifelong friends. Swimming with sea lions, sea turtles, and penguins; walking with giant land tortoises; personally witnessing the Albatross’ mating dance and Blue Footed Boobies’ sky pointing up close were some of the most memorable parts of my expedition.

1-3-2-754

Eileen M.

The remoteness, uniqueness, and purity inspired me to visit. The most memorable part was the dolphins swimming in the wake of the ship's bow. I could pick a hundred most memorable moments tho' :) The trip exceeded my expectations, it really and truly did. I would definitely travel with you again. My experience was nothing but positive.

I liked that they let us be on our own and didn't treat us like children. They gave you free reign while keeping safety intact. I really felt like they were there for us, that is was 'our' trip. The staff, crew and everyone in between far exceeded my expectations of service. I could go on and on about every single staff member right down to the singing pastry chef to the bartender.

Tyrone, the hotel manager in particular was above and beyond. We met him on the flight over to the islands and he spent the whole time talking to us and answering all of our questions. He gave us restaurants and ideas for when we returned to Guayaquil afterwards. He was there on a moment's notice on board and even helped me try to recover my lost photos. He is a gem that should be noticed. Ernesto was a fantastic guide, friendly, funny, knowledgeable, and very safety orientated. Celso was also one of a kind, he made the trip very professional, yet light and fun.

1-3-2-755

Joanne L.

ExpeditionTrips was great. It was wonderful to have the add-on suggestions (i.e., NAPO and day tours in Quito) and then have it all knit together with the Metropolitan Tours folks in Ecuador (we wished we could bring them home with us to organize our lives). My expectations were very high, and the trip surpassed them!

There were so many memorable moments like snorkeling with the sea turtles, sitting on the black lava cliffs on Punta Suarez with the surf pounding below and 100's of waved albatross flying overhead. Climbing Cotopaxi volcano in a thunder snowstorm and sitting in a dugout canoe with troops of squirrel and capuchin monkeys crossing right overhead. I could list many more!

The staff, guides, and crew were ALL excellent (at Napo where we were treated like honored guests), in Quito and especially on the Islander. Also, the food was wonderful on the Islander, far superior to all other expedition cruises we've taken (the food was great in Quito and Napo as well).

Tourists are treated so well in Ecuador. I have never been to a country where I felt so welcome.

All flights were on time or early and no luggage was lost!

1-3-2-774

Rada I.

This was my son's present for his 10th birthday, he chose Galapagos as a destination. The animals were wonderful, we particularly liked the blue-footed boobies. Everyone was wonderful; our guide paid special attention to my son. While snorkeling, my son's flippers fell off - another guide went out of her way to help him.

The trip was very nice and very well organized.

1-3-2-870

Mari K.

Working with ExpeditionTrips was a very positive experience and I would like the opportunity to travel with you again. I was especially impressed with the way we were connected with tour guides who gave us plenty of time to experience our surroundings. The staff was over and above any expectations I had - the naturalists were extremely knowledgeable.

On one particular afternoon, during lunch, I spotted a school of dolphins following the boat; I shouted 'DOLPHINS' and everyone jumped to their feet and left the table. We shuffled up to the top of the boat and the staff encouraged us to lean over the railing where the dolphins were swimming alongside the boat. This was amazing and very exciting - I'm sure I'd seen this on National Geographic TV but never thought I would ever experience this up close - I think I even cried at the site.

One more moment that must be mentioned; a whale was found beached on another island. The guide explained the details and asked if we wanted to see it and also cautioned us as to what we might see. It was a very somber site to see this massive animal - silence for a few seconds, almost as a collective respect, as we moved closer to see the size of this beautiful creature. Hard to find the right words to describe that experience.

This trip surpassed my expectations; I didn't expect the Islander to be as beautiful as it is. This being my first 'adventure cruise', I was expecting the boat to be minimal in its accommodations. And one side note about our name tags which were extremely helpful. On the AeroGal flight to Beltran, we could easily see who was part of our group. I overheard another tour group commenting on our name tags and that their tour group was too cheap to provide them.

1-3-2-756

Jeff B.

Everything went smoothly on our trip including flights and transfers. We will certainly use ExpeditionTrips for future vacations. No specific suggestions for improvement. We were interested in the Galapagos and the opportunity to take more of an adventure vacation.

The kids will probably most fondly remember the friends they made on the ship while my wife and I will remember the natural beauty of the islands.

1-3-2-757

Louise S.

Lori Gifford and everyone else we happened to talk to at ExpeditionTrips were knowledgeable, helpful, and most important, patient with our questions, emails etc. We would most definitely book future trips with you and recommend your company to others.

The ship's service was outstanding throughout the whole cruise; the naturalists were knowledgeable; there were activities available for everyone depending on their capabilities; the food was served elegantly, but every fish dish we had at dinner tasted the same....the food could have had more seasoning and flavor. We liked the small ship concept. It gave us a chance to meet almost everyone and make some nice shipboard friends. And yet there were enough people aboard to pick and choose among to find people who were interesting to us and shared common interests. I wouldn't hesitate to take another Lindblad expedition.

My group all commented on the excellent service. We had contact with the waiters in the dining room three times a day, and they went out of their way to be available for whatever our wants were. The 'Panga' drivers were also very helpful, courteous, and always close by while we were snorkeling which was very reassuring. Cindy Manning, the Expedition Leader, was outstanding! I don't know when she slept, she was always available and on the job.

This was a dream trip I've had for years when my 8 grandchildren were at the middle and high school age.. Many things interfered with doing this trip with them and their parents over the years, but some of my family never forgot the idea. Two daughters, and one college aged grand-daughter accompanied me on this trip....which turn out to be a perfect combination of interested companions. Sharing the wonders of Galapagos with people I love!

1-3-2-758

Valerie and Anthony T.

There was a strike at the Cusco airport which began while we were at Posadas Amazonas - with no communication with the outside world. We were told to get to the airpost in Puerto Maldonado early to try to change our flight to Cusco to Lima - so we could make the transfer to Quito on time.

When we got to the airport, the arrangements had already been made for us by you, ExpeditionTrips. Thank you for salvaging what could have been a mess - several people from Posadas Amazonas were not able to get onto the Lima flight that day- and we would have missed our connection if you hadn't been on the 'qui vive'. We were particularly impressed with the 'Islander' staff and crew. Everyone was very polite and considerate and really knew their stuff.

I am an animal lover and have wanted to see the Galapagos for years. (I was unable to travel for many years because of my aged and infirm parents.)We really had a fabulous time and were very happy with all of the arrangements. The guides were terrific. All the transfers were simple and everyone took great care of us - It took all the angst out of traveling. Highlight of the trip was playing 'chicken' with sealions.

It might have been helpful to have all the paperwork a bit earlier - at each step of the way we were handed some additional written instructions and in some cases verbal instructions about what time or train station etc. which should have been written down.

I am a vegetarian and the accommodations were made for my special diet with little fuss and fanfare - but I was always well taken care of on the 'Islander'. (Box lunch day in the Sacred Valley was chicken - so I just ate the fruit. The return trip with Lan did not have vegetarian meals.) Actually the food everywhere was wonderful.

Lynn Fowler was always upbeat and helpful and managed to corral everyone and move people with a minimum of hassle and we really felt like we were maximizing every minute of the trip.

The hotel in Lima (Hotel del Bosque) had a nice lobby and the breakfast was good - the staff very helpful - but the rooms need updating - grungy carpet and the kitchen was a nice touch, but there were no plates, glasses, cutlery, etc - so it wasn't terribly useful.

Casa Andina -private collection in Cusco = common areas were lovely and the restaurant was excellent - but the rooms are a bit small and don't give an impression of cleaness.

Sol y Luna was gorgeous all around as was Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes = 5 star

Casa Andina in Lima was really grungy down to the grey bath towels that had once been white - but we were grateful to be there and not trapped in Cusco by the strike.

1-3-4-778

Carl, Janet and Claire S.

Thank you for a wonderful expedition and for maintaining the high standards of Lindblad and expedition cruising. The food and food service were excellent. The focus on local foods and fruits was very nice. The lecturers were all confident speakers, knowledgeable and "people people".

The wait staff, bartender and cabin crew were all extremely friendly and polite and always in clean uniforms. They were hard working with a great sense of humor. This attitude and approach to customer service is hard to maintain over time and the general policy of 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off (or at least breaks from long times on board) shows up in "excellent service".

The ship was very well prepared. The first briefing was short but that was appreciated after some long travel hours. The welcome cocktail party was great. The night passage through the Gatun Locks is magic--this is a solid marketing point.

Zodiac instructions were good. There was a strong focus on safety in all operations. The stern platform works very well in these ocean conditions; The drivers were well trained and were as excited as the pax to spot wildlife. The open bridge policy worked well, as usual. The Captain and all the officers were most friendly and helpful and interested in speaking with the pax. It would have been nice to have had more information on the ship (i.e. water system, solid waste disposal, wastewater disposal, propulsion, history, etc.). Perhaps some tips on what to do in rough weather could be added--but this is certainly not UK weather or the Bay of Biscay.

Our 10 year-old daughter had a wonderful time and was treated like a princess. The Expedition Leader checked every morning for a special menu for lunch and dinner, and the bartender made her special frozen fruit drinks. The expedition staff went out of their way to do little things for her and tell her about their families back home. By day 2 the entire crew and the pax knew Claire. At disembarkation she came on the PA system and wished everyone a safe trip home and told them she would miss them "very much". This was quite an education and now we will see what imprints.

1-3-2-871

David D.

ExpeditionTrips did a 'bang up' job in prepping us for this trip -thanks to Lori for the help. She steered us to the right size vessel - just the size to make close friends with 18 other people - some of whom we will visit in the UK. I would certainly book with you again - not sure where yet but we will take a look. You were a '10' for service.

The Erics staff, guides and crew were excellent. The captain, Pablo, and his crew of 9, must see these sights day after day - but they still got excited for us, and with us, when we saw wildlife or something memorable happened. Christine spent her 65th birthday on the Eric and, as we carved a path through the warm waters, a group of Dolphins chose to ride the bow wave. All 20 of us were up on the bow and we thought it was a great present for my wife so we sang 'Happy Birthday' to her as we hung over the sides watching the show.

1. We saw a BBC video about the Galapagos early last year and that piqued our interest. I received a brochure in the mail from National Geographic about their various tours and saw they had one to the Galapagos. That got me going. I did some further searching on the net and found you - and decided I could use some help picking a vessel as I have sleep apnea and wanted to get the right tour vessel. You recommended Eric/Letty/Flamingo and I was never sure which boat we were going to be on. I assumed one would take us and the other two would be someplace else or unused. We found out, when we got there that all three travel together and I believe they assigned us at the last minute and did so according to language and age. We were all middle aged and up on the Eric - and all of us had English as a primary language - 4 US, 2 Canadian and 14 from the UK. I had booked Dolphin Two on the ship - the one with the double bed - but we ended up in Dolphin Three with twin beds. Don''t know how that happened but it was OK - the cabins are smaller than they appear on the website and we each enjoyed having our own bed. Most memorable was the great opportunity to view the wildlife up close - and I got some great photos. Christine and I are bird watchers and conservationists - I hunt and fish a great deal and was formerly on the national board of Ducks Unlimited.

2. Trip was just as I imagined it. The food was just terrific. I have been on a couple of other cruises with acres of desserts etc. and this food was perfect for our constant swimming, exercising and walking in hot weather. Mostly buffet style meals with a plethora of delicious salads. I didn't know they could make that many different salads. Plenty of chicken, fish, fresh vegetables and fruits. I never left the table groaning like after a holiday feast. Light desserts or fruit after a meal.

3. The guides, Adriano and Lolly, spoke passable English and were passionate about their topics and very knowledgeable. They helped to reinforce the stringent rules the Ecuadorean government has put in place to preserve the islands and did so in a friendly manner. (No food to go ashore, no touching any wildlife, no bathroom breaks on any island etc.) We were usually in two groups of 10 with a guide for each group - and sometimes in a loose group of 20 in an open area. On one day I spent some time relaxing in a panga as Christine and other guests did some deep water snorkeling around us. A young sea lion began swimming all around the snorkelers and then came up to the panga and kept playing at the sides and looking up and trying to see over into the panga. Eventually he stuck his head through the swim ladder and rolled over on his back and lay there in the clear water. I brushed his belly with the tips of my fingers and got a friendly rejoinder from our guide about not touching the wildlife - it was so tempting I just forgot. On another occasion a Galapagos Flycatcher on the ground saw his reflection in my lens, as I focused on him, and he flew right up to my camera twice. The second time I crooked my finger out in front of my lens and he landed and admired himself in my lens for a minute. The guides held a nightly briefing session before dinner each night to outline the next days activities. I have hunted, fished and been wildllife watching in the western US, western Canada, the Maritimes, South America, Central America and Africa and this trip helped me add many species of wildlife to my 'life list'.

4. For people going to these vessels: (1) I took a couple of colorful, cowboy style bandanas in addition to a Bahamas style bonefishing hat with a neck cape (excellent). The bandanas were very useful on island treks as we were there in a hot and muggy time and I could mop my face and head and also wipe any sun screen away from my eyes. When not used for that purpose they tied around my neck. Also I could wipe off my camera and lens if they got smudged with insect repellent or sun screen or perspiration. (2) Pack light!! I know they tell you to do so - but do it. We could rinse out T shirts and shorts in the shower and dry them on the sun deck. There was laundry service one day as well. There is not much room to store suitcases in the cabin so take a soft sided bag if you can - it can be folded up and tucked in a corner or an overhead shelf. (3) I''m an old destroyer sailor so I had no trouble with the gentle swells - but some people did and having appropriate meds can help until you get acclimated. The swells were really gentle and rocked me to sleep. (4) Quito is at 9,200 feet and can give you shortness of breath and headaches until you acclimate - the key is to drink plenty of water. (5) The Quito Marriott was one of the best I have ever stayed in. Very friendly staff.

1-3-2-513

Samuel and Sandra I.

I'm spreading the word to my friends about ExpeditionTrips. The trip was better than we both expected. The Santa Cruz is one terrific boat. My wife and I have traveled all over the world but the trip to the Galapagos exceeded all of our prior experiences.

All aspects of the trip were handled with a monk's attention to detail and the timeliness of German trains. The food never disappointed and the boat staff was of the highest caliber. The naturalists were phenomenal and always there for you.

My wife enjoyed the deep water snorkeling the best - I loved all aspects the trip.

1-3-3-806

Ken and Sharon B.

Not only did you meet our expectations, you rose above them! The reason for this trip was to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World and seeing Machu Picchu was the best part of the trip! The staff, guides and crew provided service way beyond our expectations. We would have to say Natali and our driver were 2 of our favorites.

This trip was all we imagined, with fantastic accommodations, GUIDES, sites and just so much more!

1-3-2-726

Lynda H.

Everything happened on schedule and as expected. Shelley, our agent, had been to the Galapagos and helped us with little extra tips like wet suits for the snorkeling and restaurants in Quito. However, we did not feel controlled like some trips make you feel.

We were free to make our own travel arrangements, etc., and Shelley was always available with suggestions or help if we needed it. I gave her some time frames and an approximate budget and she came up with a trip that fit both.

The crew/guides/service on Galapagos Explorer II were all exceptional. They really took care of you, explained what would happen the next day and how to be prepared for each day's activities. After the activities it was nice to come back to our clean, spacious cabin, take a hot shower and enjoy a delicious meal. On the first night I was really sick, and the Dr. gave me a shot, some medicine and also came to my cabin later to check on me. The head of dining service even brought chicken broth to my cabin that night. The next day I was ready for adventure! I would say they all did a good job.

Another plus was that we met some really interesting fellow passengers and our 16 year old daughter made friends with other teens. I think that a location like the Galapagos attracts people from all over the world who have seen many places and have lots of travel experience.

We have traveled extensively but the Galapagos was one part of the world we have not yet seen and it has been on our must-do list for a long time. Swimming with sea lions was the most memorable part. The actual landscape was less attractive than we had anticipated since there are so many animals there. However, we understand that this is exactly what has attracted these unique life forms. The trip was everything we expected.

1-3-3-805

Cliff and Pamela M.

Three of my greatest trips have been with your company and I continue to tell my friends about my experience working with you to plan Once in a Lifetime experiences. When I go on trips, I find it is best to have few expectations. However, as usual, this trip was beyond even my limited expectations.

The hotels were incredible; I have never been in hotels with this much character! I thought the guides went above and beyond, especially the guide in Lima. It was Independence Day in Lima and all of the tourist sites were closed. However, by talking to the policeman, she was able to get us in to get a view of the main square which was only filled with soldiers in dress uniform and members of their Congress. The guide in Cusco was very friendly and very knowledgeable. I couldn't have been more pleased!

Our Program Manager at ExpeditionTrips did a great job. I gave her our window of opportunity for Peru and she continued to work on it until she was able to get me into the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. We met people who had waited two years to get into that hotel, so we felt lucky.

The only improvement, which is not your fault, was the white water rafting could have been more intense. Since you stated that it would be level II and III rapids, it did meet that. I just thought there would be more of them. There were only two III rapids. Since I have significant experience on rapids, this could have been better.

1-3-2-839

Alfred and Marilyn H.

My Program Manager is outstanding in the level of service she provides, and when she was out of the office others helped as well. All staff, crew and guides were knowledgeable, helpful, and competent. Lynn is a great expedition leader. The talks could have been more geared to evolutionary theory and a little less taxonomically descriptive.

Our trip exceeded our expectations. We didn't expect it to equal our trip to Antarctica, but it did.

1-3-2-573

Julia and Paul C.

ExpeditionTrips was great. My Program Manager was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, professional and very easy to work with. She didn't steer us wrong with any of her suggestions. Thank you! We would definitely book with ExpeditionTrips again. The trip fulfilled all expectations. Everyone on the ship was wonderful!

Our naturalist guides in the Galapagos were exceptional. Most memorable was so much immersion in wildlife every day, all day! Swimming with sea lions was awesome.

1-3-2-708

Sharon C.

I would book future trips with you. I have no complaints about your servicefrom the first contact to the last, your service was impeccable. I had very high expectations and the trip was so much more than thatI still cant get my head back here in the US, after being home 2 weeks! I can see NOTHING to improve the trip.

My friend and I were going on a 12 day birding tour of Ecuador and thought that since we were so close to the Galapagos we should add it on to our trip.

Once again, the service was much more than expected and they could not have given us more service. They all went way beyond any requirements to take care of us and make our visit the best. Any problems that passengers had they all were happy to take care of for us. Even when there was a problem with electricity one afternoon, they were able to get the food cooked and out on the tables before it went out again. It was off another couple of hours and the crew immediately got us lights for the table to finish eating, got out guitars and played and sang for us it was great. Most of us went up on top after dinner and enjoyed the night air until they were able to fix the problem.

We had a passenger that had had double knee surgery and it was very difficult for her to get in and out of the pangas and walking and they made sure she was on every hike and beach she wanted to go on.

The staff, guides and crew seemed to be as excited about the trip as we were. The guides were so good we learned so much each day about the geology, flora and fauna, and of course the animals of each island and the waters around. Also about the people who live in the Galapagos.

1-3-2-749

Marie V.

Our Program Manager was great to work with. She planned and helped us with all of our travel arrangements. The trip exceeded my expectations. The ship’s staff, guides and crew were all informative and extremely helpful.

One guide in particular had a pleasant and friendly approach and he was always helpful to me when asked to identify different bird species. When our ship's electrical motor broke down for an evening, the crew turned the mishap into a romantic event. They brought out little lights for each of our dinner tables and they brought out guitars and serenaded us. It was a true adventure. It couldn't have been more fun if it had been planned.

1-3-2-759

Barbara and Dale C.

Working with Joy was a pleasure. She was very helpful, answering all of our questions both on the phone and in her prompt responses to our emails. The customer service we received from you was excellent. We have no complaints. Would we book again? Definitely! The trip surpassed our expectations. On improving it, you can't. It was perfect.

Everyone exceeded our expectations in all cases. One of our fellow passengers was lactose intolerant, and she was given special meals when needed. The crew was very willing to please. The guides were well informed, knowledgeable and very personable. They freely shared information and their experiences. The captain and the crew were very friendly and helpful. We liked having the two guides; they provided different perspectives on the islands and the animals. The smaller groups onshore, 10 of us in each group, were more personalized. The most memorable part? We just can't pin it down to one thing, the animals, the guides, our fellow passengers, the whole experience. Some of our group was from England, Scotland, Australia and Canada as well as the US. We had a great time just talking to them.

1-3-2-723

Ian M.

The service I received form ExpeditionTrips was excellent. ExpeditionTrips helped me over many months and was always quick to respond to my queries. The guides and crew were outstanding. Our guide was a videographer and we have a personalized DVD to remember our experience by. The boat crew were friendly and very attentive to detail.

For example, every time we left our cabin the bed was made and the towels were arranged into unusual animal shapes. I had deliberately booked a top-of-the-range cruise for our honeymoon, but was still pleasantly surprised with the level of professional service we received. Various television and printed documentaries first got me interested in visiting the Galapagos. The most memorable part of the trip was the inquisitive wildlife. We were snorkeling one day with sea-lions, penguins, turtles and flightless cormorants all simultaneously.

1-3-2-704

Ellen B.

My Program Manager was greatvery helpful and patient with my various questions! She takes very good notes. I called once when I was just sort of feeling things out, well before I was ready to book anything. About six months later, when I called back, she asked if my grandchild had been born yet! The trip was everything I had hoped it would be.

This shipping company is more casual and more focused on nature, conservation, and education, and the staff is wonderful.

When doing my trip research, I contacted ExpeditionTrips.com and spoke to a Program Manager. I said I was interested in going to the Galapagos, but needed some help deciding which cruise line I should use, since I saw several cruise lines listed. I described what I like in a cruise (knowing perfectly well that I was stacking the deck in the shipping company's favorsince I had traveled with them previouslybut wanting to see what she said). As I expected, she suggested the Polaris.

There were so many highlights: The level of activity, the incredible wildlife that you could get up close and personal with, the incredible scenery, the great naturalists, all the new friends I made... I could go on and on.

It was more physically active than my previous Vancouver trip. I found I really enjoyed that. But it wasn't too strenuous for the most partI just skipped a few things I didn't want to tackle. I felt a little rushed on a couple of the walks, where I would have liked to slow down a little and take some more pictures, but not everyone is into that, so you have to strike a balance. I still managed to take an extraordinary number!

When there were cocktail hours, there is a reason for them: the daily recap. Now that makes sense. I could be there and not drink and not chat unless I felt like it (although with all we did, there was plenty to chat about!) and still feel comfortable. There were things to listen to, so I didn't feel obligated to talk unless I wanted to. And I didn't have to dress up for ANYTHING!

My husband and I were having some trouble on a few of the hikes--steepness and unevenness of terrain. The staff immediately picked up on this and tactfully offered other options like taking a panga cruise along the coast and shorter, less challenging walks. I cannot praise their attention to and concern for the passengers too highly. The cabins were comfortable, meals were abundant and on-board activities appropriately low-key.

My interest in Darwin, evolution, and seeing at least a shadow of primeval nature inspired me to take this trip. Most memorable: the opportunity to see the animals, plants and terrain so close and at some leisure. The creatures are remarkable in their ability to live with each other and with the tourists.

This trip met our expectations and beyond. We felt like we were seeing things that other people had never seen because of the intimacy of the groups and the opportunity to get so close to the animals. One drawback: guides were knowledgeable, but not always fluent in English so they were not always able to communicate their knowledge. The on-board lectures also suffered because of this.

1-3-2-702

Thomas W.

My expectations were fully met and in some cases exceeded. The services provided me by ExpeditionTrips met my expectations and I cannot cite any improvements necessary. And, I would highly recommend the Eclipse as the boat of choice to anyone considering a trip to the Galapagos. The staff, guides and crews on the Eclipse were exceptional. Their attention to detail in ensuring that the guests had a memorable experience was highly commendable.

Their attention to detail in ensuring that the guests had a memorable experience was highly commendable.

The guides on my land portion extensions on the Chiva Express and the Otavalo tour were extremely knowledgeable, cordial and helped to enhance my experience. I have always had an interest in visiting the Galapagos Islandsone of many on my extensive travel wish list. There were too many memorable events to cite only one!

1-3-2-794

Sally and Derek R.

Lori was very helpful in setting up the trip and gave us a great itinerary. The trip was beyond my expectations....everything went according to schedule--the hotels and guides were brilliant, and the cruise ship, the Santa Cruz, was wonderful. It was our first time on a cruise ship and it was a great experience!

Staff, guides, crew were all truly wonderful...The knowledge of our guide Natalie in Cusco was extraordinary, she made everything come alive. Edison, our guide on the cruise ship was also very knowledgeable and great fun. We were well looked after and felt safe.

This trip was a special celebration 30-year anniversary, shared with friends and this was the trip we all wanted to do.

1-3-2-700

Carol J.

Joy was patient, accommodating, as excited about our trip as we were, and when the trip was changed by the shipping company, she got us a great deal. I would most definitely work with this company again. I have never been on a 'tour' so I was a bit skeptical, but the shipping company and Joy made a real impression on me.

The strong ecological bent of the company is very important to me. I cant think of a thing that could have been improved.

The whole staff gave the impression of wanting to share their magical islands with us. They accommodated every level of abilitywe had a couple of 86 and 87 years old who were so included. They decided they could do one activity per day; when there was something else they should see, well out came the zodiac to get them there. The staff was friendly and kind and even funny at all times, and no exasperation ever showed. The naturalists had a lot of knowledge at hand, and were always willing to share.

Ricky and Don S.

We worked with Lori Gifford, and she was always enthusiastic, patient, and full of useful information. Thanks to Lori, every detail of our trip worked out famously. Not only do we plan to book another trip through her, but we have already recommended ExpeditionTrips to our friends. The trip was way above our expectations!

We can't even think of one improvement to recommend. The level of service was fantastic, both in organization and in services provided. We will definitely contact you again to help us plan our next adventure/cultural trip, probably in another location in South America.

For years, we have wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador. The most memorable part of our expedition was the people we met. The Ecuadorians were so hospitable and open. We also loved all our guides.

After years of working with various travel agents, we have never found such eager and well informed travel professionals. We're thrilled to have found you!

1-3-2-847

Joyce and Barry B.

Working with ExpeditionTrips was great. It's the only way to book a trip like this. Your attention to detail was appreciated. Spending this much money on trip is a little nerve-wrecking, so knowing you've done it for many other people was very reassuring.

The staff was wonderful--it was amazing how patient they all were with one particularly difficult passenger. The naturalists were all very knowledgeable, even if a subject wasn't in the area of their expertise. The dining room staff was very attentive and anticipated all our wants.

This trip has been on our list of places to see for a long time. We had many memorable parts to this trip. Having to step over the sea lions on the gangway to get to the zodiac was a great way to start the trip. We saw a whale breaching the very first afternoon. Snorkeling amongst sea lions and giant turtles will be unforgettable, and the sunsets were unbelievable. The trip surpassed our expectations. Would love to have more time to swim and snorkel!

1-3-2-699

Clarissa and Paul K.

The trip met and surpassed our expectations. I also appreciated working with ExpeditionTrips on adding the Peru extension to our Galapagos cruise. It was an excellent compliment to the whole trip! The Eclipse staff was terrific. It was our first cruise experience and everything seemed to go smoothly.

We were especially impressed with the 4 field guides...their passion for the Galapagos and the in-depth knowledge of the environment. The trip was memorable for our whole family.

Although we did not specifically book a family Galapagos trip, there was a nice mix of families and non families on our trip. Each day we learned more and more about the Galapagos from our extremely knowledgeable and personable guides.

The natural setting of the Galapagos and its multitude of marine, land, geological lifewow!! Its tough to say what the most memorable part of our trip was, but it was probably being able to observe nature so up close. It was also great to have a contrast between the Inca culture of Peru and the natural wonders in Ecuador.

1-3-2-697

Ilene and Dean S.

I absolutely LOVED this trip! The entire expedition was extraordinary. I truly can't think of any way it could have been improved. Many thanks to all of you who had anything to do with this, especially Lori who helped me pick the boat and the hotels and told us to bring wet suits.

We felt more prepared and better taken care of than others we met on the trip who had a few problems with some of their arrangements. We would not hesitate to book future trips with you! Each detail of our trip was well planned and executed. You guys are awesome. Many thanks for making this the trip of a lifetime for our family!

Our trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos couldn't have been better. Everything about our experience with ExpeditionTrips was positive and exceeded our expectations. All transfers and tours went without a hitch. The hotels you recommended were excellent and the tour guides were exceptional.

The most memorable part was probably swimming with sea lions and penguins. It was also amazing to be so close to the birds and animals without having them being afraid of us.

The staff, guides and crew were all exceptional and provided us with a level of service that exceeded our expectations. We were impressed with the knowledge of every guide we encountered and the efficiency of how our travel arrangements were handled. Every transfer was perfectly timed and executed. We truly experienced a trip free of any inconvenience or aggravation. The ground operator should be commended for their staff's punctuality and professionalism. They were impressive. We also loved our naturalist and the people in our group which made the expedition even more fun.

1-3-2-698

Steve and Mary G.

It was great working with ExpeditionTrips! This trip was in the top 3 of all vacations I have taken and I have been to 44 countries. The trip was perfectly done. The staff, guides, and crew were great.

My wife was disabled and everyone from the captain to the panga diver to the guides to the waiters all put out 100% and 100% of the time to ensure she got the most out of the trip as she could not walk.

Someone would stay on the beach to talk to her, or arrange a solo panga to see some of the things I was walking on the island to see. They were always there to help. The room cleaning staff were never intrusive, but kept everything shipshape. The towel figurines were the object of anticipation each evening.

I best liked the panga ride when there were pelicans, penguins, and blue footed boobies all diving quite close into a large school of fish, but there were many great and unforgettable encounters. My second was following a mother and newborn humpback whale for about an hour. Mary loved the herd of sea lions and watching the beach boss and his harem and the babies suckling, not 15 feet away.

1-3-2-696

Howie and Roslyn J.

Thank you, thank you and thank you! We returned home last evening from our best vacation ever. Every minute of the trip was exceptional. We can't imagine that any other tour operator could offer the personal service and excellent arrangements that we received from you and your associates. The Explorer II was outstanding!

The daily visits to the islands were unbelievable. I snorkeled next to sea lions and amongst thousands of magnificent fish and sharks. Incredible!

Elga, our guide in Peru for three days was extraordinary. She was warm, caring, knowledgeable and even managed to arrange for us to have the front two seats on the train to Machu Picchu. All the hotels were first class and the connections worked out like clockwork.

1-3-2-710

Leaf E. and Gregg M.

Due to the high cost of the trip, my expectations were high. The service from ExpeditionTrips.com exceeded my expectations. Joy was extremely helpful and I would like to thank her for doing an excellent job! The most memorable part of the expedition was the close proximity with wildlife that was experienced throughout the voyage.

We were planning a trip to Alaska, but after seeing all of the photos of the Galapagos, we couldnt resist. I also wanted an opportunity to travel in South America and learn Spanish.

The crew on the boat was exceptional in every way. They went above and beyond to make all of the guests feel comfortable. Some of my best memories involve talking with them. Each naturalist had his/her unique style. Though some of the guests had difficulties with certain guides, it was more a matter of personal style than competence.

Miranda H. and Family

ExpeditionTrips.com was great - very responsive and very patient in answering all my questions. I would definitely book future trips with ExpeditionTrips. For me the most memorable part of the Galapagos was seeing the fun my children had -- that, and the marine iguanas!

My mother and I had often thought of going to the Galapagos together, and she was really the guiding force behind the trip. It far exceeded our expectations, which were pretty high to begin with. I can't imagine any way it could have been improved.

The staff, naturalists and crew were all incredible -- wonderful with the children and with us, and great with all the little touches that make a voyage special -- hot chocolate after snorkeling, fruit juice after hiking, special activities for the kids, and constant kindness and attention.

1-3-2-681

Nancy A. and Stephen F.

Our experience with ExpeditionTrips.com was excellent! Lori did a very good job. The most memorable part of the trip the snorkeling and swimming with the sea lions and penguins. We specifically picked this time of year in order to get the best water and land temperature/clarity.

Overall, we felt the 'Galapagos Experience' was very good but not as spectacular as we had anticipated. Granted we had very high expectations. More specifically, during the first 2 days we weren't sure that we were going to enjoy the trip. The excursions seemed uninteresting and the animals not that plentiful. However as the trip progressed we became increasingly engaged, saw an abundance of animals and found the itinerary improved as we went along. We actually wish we had had more opportunities to snorkel, as they were our favorite experiences by far.

The ship actually exceeded our expectations. The four of us are very seasoned travelers, having been numerous places around the world. We were pleasantly surprised at the level of comfort and care of the ship and were particularly surprised at the quality of the food. Our cruise director, Christian, did an outstanding job of managing expectations and solving problems.

We were very pleased with the Eclipse and glad we chose it. 48 people is just the right size in terms of getting people on and off the pangas and finding enough interesting fellow travelers to share the experience with. We were able to get to know just about everyone on board and yet not feel crowded.

The staff was excellent...everyone from the cruise director to the waiters to the chef. They all went out of their way to make sure we were happy, safe and had fun. All four guides were excellent in terms of knowledge, but we liked the guides who were less programmed and more flexible to the desires of the travelers. I think the accommodations and the food truly made our trip special and again we were very happy with our guides in terms of their knowledge and likeability.

I think it would be wise to give people a better description of what to pack. You really need numerous changes of clothing, as you get dirty and/or wet on every excursion, twice a day. You really need both sturdy walking shoes for the more aggressive land hikes and good water shoes for the wet landings.

1-3-2-695

Elaine M.

My experience working with ExpeditionTrips.com has been a positive one. I would book future trips with you. You excelled in providing us with tons of information prior to the trip. I felt very informed before departing for the trip. I had high expectations and the trip went well beyond every one of those expectations.

I can think of nothing that could have been improved upon!

The guide was extraordinary. He was a Level II, but he knew absolutely everything we inquired about and he spoke flawless English. The chef was amazing. We had more food than we could eat at every meal and everything was very fresh and healthy and delicious.

The rest of the crew was incredible as well. It was obvious that every one of them was determined to help each of us on the trip have the best trip we possibly could. One example was when the captain pointed out the Milky Way, the llama in the sky and the Southern Cross to my friends and I on just one of the many star-filled evenings.

The most memorable part of my Galapagos trip was definitely seeing the waved albatrosses on Espaola Island doing their mating ritual dance just a few feet in front of us.

1-3-2-711

Cynthia and Thomas S.

We LOVED our trip to the Galapagos Islands! I don't know how anyone could have improved it. Everything was perfect. Joy was a pleasure to work with. She gave me some very valuable advice when choosing a ship. I'm glad she voiced her opinions. We could have been on a very small sailing vessel with a dud as a naturalist if it weren't for Joy.

Yes, I would book future trips with you. I can't think of anything to improve the service you provided.

The Galapagos Islands have been on my list of things to do before I die for a long time, maybe since I was a child. We finally had the money and the vacation time to go.

How can I pick just one memorable thing? One of the things is the tameness of all the creatures. I saw several sea lion mothers nursing their babies. I could actually hear the sucking sound. The mothers didn't mind that I was taking pictures of the precious moment.

The expedition surpassed our expectations. Everyone was friendly and willing to do anything to make us happy and content. I enjoyed my massage and stretching sessions with Hilda. I really didn't expect such a competent therapist. I was pleased to meet Juan, who was raised on the Islands. It was a treat to actually talk to a native. The guides are real professionals. You can tell they love their jobs and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.

The trip surpassed our expectations; everything was wonderful. I wish somehow I could give my body extra energy to do everything there was to do. I missed a few excursions, darn it!

1-3-2-682

Nicholas N.

ExpeditionTrips.com provides a very useful and friendly personal service for customers who are based outside the U.S. The independent advice you give is very valuable and by undertaking the booking arrangements you take a lot of the hassle out of planning a vacation of this sort.

The Galapagos is certainly an amazing place and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it really did seem to be quite remote in that we rarely encountered other parties except in the more populated areas.

I really wanted to see the landscape and particularly the wildlife on the Galapagos, which I had read so much about over the years. I think the most memorable aspects were almost total indifference of the animals and birds in particular, to our presence. The most stunning single experience was probably walking close by the Wave Albatross nesting colony.

The trip lived up to expectations pretty well; the ship was comfortable and the organization of the shore excursions was excellent. The food was good and interesting and the accommodation and service was exceptionally good. The deck officers and crew were very friendly and happy to answer questions and the Zodiac drivers in particular were both expert and patient! The locally based guides were excellent in the field and had encyclopedic knowledge of the various creatures and where to find them.

1-3-2-677

Johann and Chris P., MD

Everything was positive and we would book through you again! All the staff was brilliant, and the natural history staff was above and beyond anything we had hoped for and all the crew found that no detail was too small for them. The enthusiasm of everyone for both their jobs and their environment was unbounded.

The trip was for a 50th Birthday and therefore needed to be something special. The Galapagos was somewhere we have always talked about going and it proved to be a good time of the year for this part of the globe.

The trip exceeded our expectations in all respects except perhaps the verandah/enclosed deck space which was narrower than we had anticipated from the plan and subject to a continuous noisy a/c. We would have sat out there on more occasions, but still had lots of private deck time elsewhere on the boat. We had difficulty understanding the hotel manager; we believe she thinks her English is better than it actually is, but she was very charming.

It is almost impossible to pull out one single memory as the whole trip was amazing, but standing at the top of Bartolome and watching the sun rise over the different bays and the light on the surrounding landscape was wonderful, especially as it was our first land excursion. On the same day we had our first underwater (snorkel) trip which was equally as wonderful.

If all the [cruise companys] expeditions are of this standard we would not hesitate to be drawn to their program again, in particular Alaska and Antarctica. We are open to suggestions on other organizations that operate at this level.

1-3-2-678

Dale and Bernadine O.

Our trip was definitely a positive experience and exceeded our expectations. We would certainly book another trip with your service. I have always wanted to go to the Galapagos Islands and loved seeing the different birds and the tranquility of the area. The staff and the guides were well informed and offered excellent service.

They answered all the questions no matter how small. They seemed to go out of their way to make our trip the perfect expedition.

1-3-2-821

Ron and Claire M.

The trip was a very positive one! Lori gave us good advice on lots of things and made the arrangements go perfectly. The company in Peru was particularly helpful and nice to work with. Good advice to go to Peru first and then more relaxed in the Galapagos. We all felt that five days in the islands was enough after a week in Peru.

We had wanted to take this trip for some time, but it was a matter of taking the time away. The most memorable part for me was being so close to the animals in their natural state.

The service on the boat was wonderful. Some of the guides were better than others. I liked that we had the same people each day, such as our waiter and the person cleaning our cabin. We liked the size of the ship -- big enough to have the extras, but small enough to not be overwhelmed.

We had wonderful accommodations. We had many different flights, but each one went off without a problem. Everyone we met was very helpful and efficient.

1-3-2-822

Jill and Jeff P.

Working with ExpeditionTrips was very positive and we will highly recommend you to our friends and family. Lori did a perfectly fine job in making this one of the best trips we've had the pleasure to experience. She out sourced us to some of the best guides and facilities in Peru and Ecuador.

Lori recommended the Machu Picchu extension and placed us in the very capable hands of their partner company in Peru. She booked us into fine establishments before, after and during our two week vacation....all giving us a flavor of the region and the people.

We wanted to visit one of the wonders of the world at Machu Picchu and to explore the land and sea wonders of the Galapagos. Our guide Melbin and our driver Hector in Peru treated us as family as did the establishments we stayed in. Who'd have thought we'd have five star hotels and gourmet food everywhere we went? THEN, once we arrived in the Galapagos Islands and saw our ship the Explorer II we were again very pleased. Once on board we were not disappointed. The staff and guides were highly professional and accommodating. Everything from the pleasant wake-up call each morning to the last sip of good wine before retiring was enjoyable. All the activities to and from and around the islands were organized perfectly to make the best use of time and opportunity to get a close up and personal look at the enchanted islands.

1-3-2-862

Pat L.

I found working with your company a very positive experience. I received good help with selecting options - your people had personal experience with the particular region and vessels we were going to be on. The best part was having lots of trips to each island that involved hiking and snorkeling and getting up close and personal with all the wildlife.

They even offered to have a group of interested people go to swim with the dolphins. This wasn't a planned activity but an example of how the crew/guides tried to enhance the experience.

My daughter chose this destination and I supported her because it has always been a dream of mine to go to the Galapagos. This trip exceeded all my expectations! The only things that could have been improved were the air conditioning on the boat (the lowest floor cabins had poor air quality in my view) and sometimes the freshwater source on the boat seemed 'salty'. The food, guides, crew, and the family atmosphere were truly excellent.The expedition exceeded all my expectations. The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly and the staff were also wonderful. The waiter who served our meals had a wonderful sense of humor and made us all laugh. The food includes lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and lots of fish.

1-3-2-745

Judge Stuart and Nancy N.

I had a very positive experience with ExpeditionTrips.com. You did everything that we expected of a travel agency, especially the recommendation of the Lammer Law and Hotel Patio Andzaluz, as well as the ground transfers provided by Metropolitan (especially Giovanni our guide at each transfer).

Our two guides on the Lammer Law were as good as it gets. They helped make the trip the great success that it turned out to be.

This trip met every expectation that we had, and in some respects exceeded our expectations. Hotel Patio Andaluz was marvelous, with great ambience, beautifully decorated rooms, and terrific Ecuadorian cuisine.

Our two guides on the Lammer Law were as good as it gets. Robert Grimstone, from the UK, and now a permanent resident of Santa Cruz, Galapagos, and William, the dive guide, were extremely knowledgeable, informative and helpful. They helped make the trip the great success that it turned out to be.

I had always dreamed about visiting the Galapagos, as photography, videography, and the study of nature have always been at the top of my interests. The most memorable part of the trip was the opportunity to snorkel with and videotape underwater the Galapagos Marine Iguana, Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Sea Lions, including huge bulls, and numerous Blacktip Reef Sharks.

1-3-2-675

Kathryn and Thomas A.

Lori was excellent, educational, responsive, and helpful. We would definitely use Lori and ExpeditionTrips.com. We always wanted to travel to the Galapagos. The trip was incredible, we did not know what to expect, but were not disappointed. Incredibly incredible.

I wish it had been longer with more time on the islands, but understand that the National Park controls itineraries. I expected the Naturalists to be more specific and have more specialized educations, such as Marine Biologist or Underwater specialist. Several of our Naturalists were extraordinary, Dora and Antonio were excellent. The Expedition leader, Paula was the best.

1-3-2-676

Seymour K. and Family

A simple note of appreciation for helping my wife and I celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary (and my 75th birthday) through your continuing efforts. The trip was fantastic in all respects and the present bestowed upon our children and grandchildren will never be forgotten (their words). Again, thank you for making it happen.

Our experience was more than positive and if health and finance create no problem I would certainly consider using ExpeditionTrips in the future.

The trip exceeded all expectations possibly because the presentation of every aspect of the expedition was so enthusiastically received and enjoyed by our grandchildren, ages 8 to 12.

The only thing that can be improved upon (everything else was excellent) was a better command of the English language by the guides.

My wife and I have been traveling for almost 30 years and have visited most of the world's exotic places. We made the same trip twenty years ago on the Santa Cruz. We thought it would make a great present to our sons, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren and to instill in them the love of adventure travel.

1-3-2-679

Dr. Larry N. and Blanca D.

ExpeditionTrips.com For the ones that want more than a trip, but a great adventure, experience, service and excellence all the way! Everything was great. Marriage in Machu Picchu an adventure. You are not allowed to marry there so with the help of the guide we changed behind the rocks!

It was great our guide was fantastic, and Sebastian in Quito was wonderful. The Galapagos Islands and the people on the Explorer II were excellent truly an adventure! Thank you for everything!

1-3-2-744

Ken B. & Suzanne R.

I found you online and had very little knowledge about what I was looking for. I believe you steered us to the perfect trip! The trip exceeded our expectations in all respects. I re-read the 'Top Ten Reasons' on back of the expedition cruise company's catalog and found that they met each of them exactly as written.

I especially like the casual atmosphere, emphasis on learning, and appreciation of and respect for the environment. My girlfriend Suzanne has embarked on a second career, and just graduated with her degree in Biology from University of Illinois, Chicago. This was her graduation/birthday gift.

Most memorable was the beach on Fernandina, teeming with life -- nesting cormorants, iguanas, sea lions, pelicans, frigates. Another was the very kind birthday party the crew threw for Suzanne.

The enthusiasm of the naturalist guides, and Samuel Quiroz in particular, added to our appreciation. The attention the entire staff gave Suzanne on her birthday, the Latin dance lessons, in particular, were very gracious and unexpected. She refers to it as 'the best birthday of my life.'

One minor issue -- we had cabin 306 on the Islander, which is apparently next to the toilet system. Every flush from the top deck created a rumble in our room. This is the ONLY imperfection I can conjure up about this wonderful adventure.

1-3-2-793

Marilyn and Scott C.

Working with ExpeditionTrips was definitely a positive experience. Not only would we book future trips (especially 2 for 1s), but we have also recommended ExpeditionTrips to our friends. Our Program Manager answered all of my questions. The fact that she had actually been on the Eclipse and had spent time in Ecuador herself made a big difference to me.

Everything was handled in a pleasant, professional, and timely manner. We were VERY pleased! We're looking forward to more great trips!

The 2 for 1 offer is what inspired us to take the trip. It was all very memorable, and we have already recommended this trip to several of our friends and had them sign up on your website.

The staff, guides and crew were absolutely WONDERFUL!!!! They went above and beyond in all aspects. All the naturalists were well-informed and fun, especially Lenin, Carlos, and Christina. The food was great, and the service personnel went out of their way to be courteous, fun, and friendly --- all the while providing excellent food and service. We enjoyed the crews' musical performance! Our cabin steward was excellent, as well. In addition to keeping the cabin clean and furnished with fresh towels, etc, he also took the time to make soft sculpture figures out of the towels -- something we looked forward to and found amusing.

The trip was even better than we expected!! Recommendations: Later flight back to mainland with more activities on the last day.

1-3-2-674

Carol and Richard N.

Not only will we work with you for future trips, we are telling everyone what a great job you (Lori) did for us! Friends had taken the trip earlier this year and raved so about it that we decided this would be a truly memorable way to celebrate our 40th anniversary. And it was! The whole experience was memorable. I can't think of one improvement.

The one disappointment was after the Galapagos trip we were to take a 1 day Otavalo excursion. The trip, however, was cancelled due to a strike of some kind.

The expedition was wonderful. The naturalists were great and all the staff seemed to want their guests to have the best possible experience. The Zodiac drivers were so skilled. There was one quite elderly couple on the trip (I believe David was 89) and they were so well taken care of. (Not that they needed it, really, because they put us 'youngsters' to shame.) And the most fun was the last evening when we were entertained by all staff members. I believe it was the pastry chef who sang beautifully and the stewardess also sang so beautifully. I haven't transferred the video to DVD yet, and I hope it comes out OK. The lights were dimmed in the dining room and flashlights were used for disco-style lighting. What a riot. It was great fun.

1-3-3-661

Shirley R.

Not only would I book with you again, but would highly recommend your services to anyone who would listen. You were so patient with us and all our concerns and questions before the trip, and everything you set up ran easily and smoothly during the trip.

1-3-3-739

Paula F.

I would not hesitate to work with your group again. You were outstanding and deserve much credit for answering our multitude of questions, putting us at ease, and being very patient with these Spunky (but older) women. Having the guides and drivers who were all good, on time, polite and helpful was a marvelous way to travel.

The trip was even better than I could have imagined. Being with a multi-age group was very good. The people were compatible, helpful and so much fun to be with. Melbin from Rainforest Expeditions was also a very good guide and helped so much with walking through Macchu Picchu.

1-3-2-669

Scott L.

This trip greatly EXCEEDED my expectations. The fantastic crew, food, and cabin service all exceeded 5 star hotels. The staffs efficiency, knowledge, courtesy, and helpfulness were all exemplary. Each moment was so memorable. I took the trip because of my interest in wildlife and photography.

1-3-3-689

Karen A.

Just wanted to let you know that we had a fantastic trip! It was our best vacation ever and we've been a lot of places in the past 22 years. Your itinerary was excellent without a hitch (well...except for Peru Rail going on strike while we were at Machu Picchu).

Posada Amazonas/TRC - We were so lucky to have Jesus Duran as our guide. His specialty is birding and that is what we were interested in. He was such a pleasure and made sure to show us everything. We saw over 84 species of birds, 6 species on monkeys, and assorted other wildlife. He was a perfect guide for us and his English was excellent. At first we were a little disappointed that a NEW TRC was in the process of being built and was far away from the river. The erosion on the shoreline had literally forced them to move quickly in November. Their old lodge was going to be eroded into the water if they hadn't moved. It worked out just fine, however. The excursions were unbelievable.

Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu - WE LOVED Willka Tika! Carol and her staff were the best of anywhere we stayed. Our room was great, the food was exceptional... We loved every minute of our stay there. Carol is expanding, adding several additional rooms that will be luxury rooms. Her plans look outstanding and should be finished in a couple of months. Her expansion won't make it too big...but will provide the deluxe/luxury some are looking for. We were just fine with our standard room!

Erika, our guide for Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu was very nice and did a great job. Our driver Hector was also excellent. We loved Machu Picchu and due to the rail strike that occurred just after we arrived, we virtually got Machu Picchu to ourselves for 2 days. We climbed Huayna Picchu -- absolutely awesome!

Mario, our driver and guide in Lima was outstanding. He is very sophisticated and was perfect for us.

Thanks again for all your help!

1-3-2-667

Nelson and Melissa J.

ExpeditionTrips was helpful, efficient and personable. I would certainly recommend them and book with them again! The ship was comfortable, clean and well designed. The entire crew and staff were helpful and much more than courteous. Our naturalist (Daniel) was superb!

[Our naturalist] did a great job of getting us to the best places at the best times, usually in advance of any other boats that were in the area. He was excellent at giving us time to simply stop and take it in and we never felt rushed along. He demonstrated genuine concern, compassion and initiative when one of the passengers became ill.

He was knowledgeable and related a great deal of information without getting in the way of the experience. The trip was further enhanced by the fact that we had only 11 passengers versus the capacity of 20 and we were moved into one of the more spacious and vacant cabins without even asking. The only possible exception to the best possible experience was that a few of the meals, especially later in the voyage, were a bit disappointing.

My favorite memories The stark beauty of the Galapagos, the incredible amount of wildlife that you walk among as though in a crowd at the local mall, and riding on top of a boxcar on the trip to Cotopaxi.

[One of the reasons for wanting to go the Galapagos was because] my daughter had wanted to go 10 years ago at about age 12, and had signed up for a student trip that was cancelled. I was unable to take her then, but it has always been on our back burner, so this trip was the culmination of a long held desire.

The Quito and environs portion of the trip was also terrific. Quito is very interesting and the countryside is beautiful. The trip to Otavalo allowed us to see the countryside and the market was OK, though you get a bit tired of seeing pretty much these same things in so many stalls. The most interesting part of that was walking through the market where the locals buy their every day items and seeing the people who live there. The hotels we stayed in were very clean and nice, but were not as quiet as I imagine the larger, more expensive, worldwide chain hotels to be.

1-3-2-670

Sue and Larry B.

I would certainly work with ExpeditionTrips again. I really appreciated your help, Lori. Booking through you gave us more flexibility before and after the trip, and saved us money. The ship was excellent, just as promised. Very clean, nice sized cabins and bathrooms with good storage space.

Food was very good with great variety and beautifully presented. Everything worked out just as promised. The staff was very well organized, knowledgeable and helpful. The daily program was vigorous, but one could always opt out of activities. The next day's schedule was thoroughly explained the night before so each person would know what to expect. If anything, I felt they were over cautious in some of their explanations as to difficulty, especially as to the snorkeling. One should be comfortable in the water, but the pangas were always close by if an assist was needed, as it was for a number of us when we hit an unexpectedly strong surge. We were towed beyond it and continued with our snorkeling. Most of the naturalists, and especially the panga drivers, accompanying each group kept a close eye out for anyone having problems. We had heard a lot about the trip beforehand, but seeing things for yourself is always more exciting than hearing about it. You want to be able to participate in as many activities as possible, especially snorkeling. Anyone who doesn't take advantage of the snorkeling outings misses half the wonder. Snorkeling and swimming with sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, rays and a multitude of colorful fish was amazing, but I was also very excited to see the penguins.

1-3-2-666

Karen S.

Working with ExpeditionTrips.com was great! We would use them again, mainly because of their knowledge about the specifics of the different ships and their honestly in giving us the pros and cons of the different options (especially the cons). This was the best vacation we have ever had. The whole experience was really amazing.

Everything was outstanding... scenery, the customer service on the ship, the naturalist guides, the wildlife, the other passengers. The ship and crew were outstanding. The ship was the perfect size, not too big and not too small. I was amazed at the ratio of crew members to passengers. The customer service was outstanding. The crew was constantly doing little 'extras' to make the trip more special. The ship and crew greatly exceeded our expectations and we would recommend to anyone going to the Galapagos to travel on the Eclipse. The only way the ship could have improved would be to have had more wet suits available for rental. There were not enough wet suits to accommodate the passengers.

The whole trip was just so wonderful. If I had to pick just one thing to be the highlight, it was one of our snorkel excursions, where we saw bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, stingrays, and the sea lions tried to play with us and were nipping at our fins!

1-3-2-694

Merryl H.

Bravo to ExpeditionTrips.com! Everything was seamless--all local pick-up, tours, arrangements were on time. The guides were warm and friendly and the hotel in Quito was great! The Galapagos Islands, of course, was amazing, as was the ship. We had the best time! A big thank you to the land tour company in Ecuador/Quito--they were great!

Thank you, and thanks to your entire staff!

1-3-5-769

Gordon, Cathryn and Shirley B.

ExpeditionTrips inspired us to do this trip and the trip exceeded our expectations! I appreciated my Program Manager for providing me references on the Manaus trip we originally were looking at. Because of that, we ended up on the Peru trip. For us, especially my 75-year old sister, it was certainly better. I am sure this fitted our needs better.

The ship could not have been nicer. The large rooms were comfortable and the crew provided great service. The ship also had a good shower! The guides were a high point. They were well informed, spoke English well, and were a lot of fun.

There were more opportunities for wildlife viewing than I expected, and the weather was better. The wildlife was spectacular, especially the birds. We saw plenty of monkeys, sloths, snakes and other critters. Also we visited a couple villages and met all the people--or at least all the kids. We also had a shaman ceremony that seemed pretty authentic. Just being on the Amazon and getting a sense of the huge scale of everything was also a high point.

1-3-2-612

Marcelo R. and Family

Lori Gifford was outstanding. She was able to organize everything quickly and well. I would book future trips with ExpeditionTrips.com. The ship was nice and comfortable, the crew was outstanding, and there were no problems. The islands were marvelous and the Ecuadorian people are great!

1-3-2-655

Chris and Don M.

Definitely would recommend ExpeditionTrips.com -- I felt very lucky to have worked with someone who could steer us in the right direction after listening to what type of trip we were trying to do. Ashton was EXCELLENT in doing that, whereas most travel agents don't take the time to sort through. I would definitely book with you again!

I think we would have ended up on a larger ship & been very unhappy had it not been for Ashton!

We just loved the Galapagos Islands and the Eclipse was a PERFECT yacht selection (the ship was a perfect size, passenger-wise, & the staterooms were nice & roomy, very clean and excellent service!). We also met many nice people onboard. There were only 31 people on it. La Mirage & the Swiss Hotel were also excellent, as was Metropolitan Touring!

The trip was a great way to celebrate our 30th Anniversary! Ashton, thank you for helping us plan such a GREAT TRIP to Ecuador!

1-3-5-687

Fred and Carol G.

You were great to work with. You set up a great itinerary, with three different segments in Peru: Amazon Cruise, Posada Amazonas and the Sacred Valley. Each segment was operated by a different agency, but to us, the changes from one segment to another were seamless. There was always someone to meet us and transfer us to the next venue.

Also, the materials you sent to us before the trip were excellent.

This trip exceeded our expectations! In our case, we wanted to do something a little different for our 40th wedding anniversary. An Amazon cruise sounded good to us, especially because it's a part of the world we had never visited.

The ship 'La Turquesa' was better than we expected. The vessel is not a typical cruise ship, but rather, it is designed to replicate the type of passenger vessels that cruised the Amazon in the days of the rubber boom early in the last century. The ship only has 18 cabins, so it feels more like a large private yacht than a cruise ship. Although 'La Turquesa' is fairly new, it is constructed using lumber from the local area. The cabins and dining room are constructed using beautiful local hardwood parquet floors and trim. The cabins are small but comfortable, and the dining room has a wonderful panoramic view of the scenery as the boat cruises along. The upper observation deck is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. In spite of the heat, the observation deck was always breezy and comfortable.

The staff and crew were incredible. Because the ship is small, there's almost a family relationship between the passengers and crew. Most of the crew was local Peruvians who were hired and trained by the tour company. We could go on and on about the service. I don't know how they do it, with a new group of passengers every week, but they treated us as if we were the first and best passengers they had ever served. Here are some examples: Greeted at Iquitos airport; ushered to VIP lounge; served welcome drinks; (Pisco Sours) and snacks; lemon scented cold towels to freshen up; Boots washed after every hike; Cold towels after hikes and small boat trips; Guides knew us all by name after the 1st day of cruise; Rotating dining room tables so we met every passenger on the boat; Guides with incredible knowledge of rainforest flora and fauna; Guides and crew looking after passengers who weren't feeling well; Cool drinks on observation deck before dinner; The band (cabin boys and guides) who entertained us every night; The careful planning of excursions to avoid the heat and sun of the Amazon: They took us on excursions either before the sun was high in the morning, or later in the afternoon or evening when the shadows of the rainforest protected us; Varied excursions: Flora and Fauna, native villages, piranha fishing, jungle walks; Spotless cabins, straightened several times a day; Laundry done whenever needed; Captain who piloted ship for six days without the need for charts or GPS; Symbiotic relationship between tour company and the local people and their environment; helping village schools with supplies; hiring and training local river people, etc. Goodbye reception in VIP lounge at Iquitos airport; Pisco Sours, lunch, cold towels and hugs!

1-3-2-654

Dian D. and Family

I just wanted you and everyone at ExpeditionTrips.com to know that we had the most wonderful, magical/spiritual, and significant experience on our recent trip to the Galapagos. It was just magnificent. The ship, crew, guides, program, food, fellow passengers all exceeded our expectations.

We have given your company's name to many of our friends and colleagues encouraging them to experience one of your many adventures. We will certainly book with you in the future. We all felt the details were well thought out and the accommodations were exceptional. The people we came in contact with were truly ambassadors for Ecuador and the Galapagos. I just wanted you to know what a wonderful trip we had.

The crew and staff of the MV Explorer II, our naturalist guide, Ramiro, the itinerary, everything exceeded our expectations. The staff was exceptional--friendly, outgoing, extremely accommodating and helpful. The ship was clean-always. There were little things the staff did for us to make us feel special--origami towels on our beds, coffee waiting for us at breakfast, wine at dinner. Our excursions with Ramiro--we all learned so much and feel so compelled to be conservation minded and more active in helping to preserve our worldwide heritage sites.

Our children (aged 11 and 14) enjoyed feeling 'special' aboard the ship. They also experienced unparalleled opportunities to connect with the various birds and animals we came in contact with on our excursions. My daughter, age 11, sat on this remote outcropping of rocks just observing a juvenile seal. Suddenly, the seal lion approached her. My daughter sat perfectly still. The sea lion got closer, sniffing her leg and ultimately resting her head upon my daughter's leg. It was a moment she will never forget. This was just one of the many truly extraordinary experiences we encountered on this trip. My son, an experienced and certified scuba diver, was snorkeling when suddenly three juvenile seal lions appeared under him in the water. They were curious and approached him. My son did a spin under water. Two of the sea lions mimicked him. They all continued to interact for several minutes before disappearing into the depths. My children connected with many of the humans they came in contact with as well. Our group included several 'mature' individuals. My children befriended several of these adults and on several instances observed these individuals 'push their limits' and accomplish things that were particularly difficult for them. A great lesson. We all learned things about ourselves, discovered new things about others and became very conservation-minded as a result of our trip to the Galapagos Islands. The Islands are truly a global treasure that benefit all the peoples of the world.

1-3-2-656

Jami G. and Sven J.

This was absolutely the most amazing experience of my life. It's the best trip we have ever taken. Everything was perfect. Your patience with me asking so many detailed questions, the amount of time you spent with me, and your honesty helping us pick just the right boat was fantastic. The price was right too!

Thank you for all your help answering our questions and booking everything. It was absolutely amazing!

The ship was like a 4-star hotel on water! The service was fantastic, our room was always clean, and things were extremely organized. Staff was extremely friendly and eager to help/please however they could. There was always a good selection to choose from at every meal, and I somehow managed to lose 5 lbs while stuffing myself at every meal. We were greeted by the bartender with a new fruit juice every time we got back from an excursion. This was a wonderful and unexpected touch.

Overall, the trip was incredible. The crew was fantastic, the naturalists extremely knowledgeable, and I liked having the onboard library so we could go look up more details about wildlife we had just seen (i.e. trying to identify fish we saw snorkeling). Of course, the wildlife was the main highlight. I probably could have had the worst boat conditions and still loved this trip, but staying on such a nice boat was an added bonus.

As a biologist, I have wanted to go to the Galapagos since age 8. I wrote a paper about Lonesome George, realized how few tortoises were left, and wanted to see them. Had I made this visit 5 years ago, I would probably be applying for job opportunities at the Charles Darwin Research Station right now!

Other highlights were: Seeing blue footed boobies doing their mating dance right in front of us; seeing young sea lions nursing right in front of use; snorkeling with the sea lions; tide pools on Fernandina (or was it Isabela??); and my favorite... a small (6 months or younger?) sea lion pup left his comfy spot in a tidal pool cave, 'walked' over to where I was standing, and flopped down to sleep about 3 inches from my feet!

1-3-2-652

Maxine A. and Zoe M.

ExpeditionTrips.com was wonderful! Flawless, really. I have nothing to suggest. You are pros. This trip was very organized and the transfers worked seamlessly. I would book future trips with you but to where? Overall, the trip really exceeded my expectations.

I knew that seeing the animals would be a great experience, but I didn't expect the islands to be as beautiful as they are.

The staff and crew were very polite and friendly. The housekeeping staff was very impressive. They cleaned the room twice/day and brought us clean towels to replace those we used while swimming. They would leave them on the beds origami style, folded in shapes of animals and maritime motifs. This may not sound like much but it was a delightful surprise every day. Service in the dining room could have been quicker but the waiters were friendly and very helpful. AND THE GUIDES were absolutely wonderful -- so smart and friendly. Even though they've probably done these trips hundreds (if not thousands) of times, they made it feel so fresh.

The ship was fine. It was compact and so after a very short time began to feel like home. The fact that it was small made it easier for me to let my 11-year-old daughter have more freedom. There weren't too many places for her to get lost. The rooms were more than adequate and while not huge, they were bigger than some hotel rooms I've stayed in.

I have traveled to many places in the world and I was looking for something different for my 11-year-old daughter and me. I am always trying to find ways to educate her without her knowing it and didn't want to just go to another beautiful island that was lacking in culture or anything to distinguish it. Believe me, I have nothing against beautiful islands, but I was thinking about something a little bit different and have known people that have gone to the Galapagos before. Everyone raves about the Galapagos Islands.

The most memorable part of the trip was walking on to a new island and the vista just opening up to the wonderful creatures that live there. It's hard to describe the feeling of knowing that you have entered onto their turf and that they were there long before you arrived and will, hopefully, be there for a long time after. You never want to visit a zoo again.

One thing I wish we had more time to just hang out with the animals. They are so friendly, that you can really develop 'relationships' with them. Unfortunately, after sitting with a bird or a seal for 5 minutes we had to continue on the walk. I really wanted to savor my time with them. But then again, there was so much to see.

1-3-2-693

Karen and Alfred A.

We are back from our trip and wanted to thank ExpeditionTrips.com for the BEST week of our trip. We also went to Costa Rica The Galapagos are magical. It was quite unbelievable. We want to go to Peru next year in March and I look forward to working with you on planning the trip.

The Mansion Del Angel in Quito was perfect! It was very charming and the service was excellent, the staff very friendly and helpful. We loved the location as well. The Galapagos were magical. The itinerary and the tours on the islands were beyond anything we imagined. The ship was beautiful. They were extremely safety conscious which impressed us and calmed any fears we had. The guides were excellent. Of the entire week, we only had one suggestion for improvement. On the last day, they took those who were departing to a beach on San Cristobal. It was a buggy beach with not much wildlife to see. It would have been much better if we had gone up the mountain with the rest of the groups from our ship. This is a very, very minor suggestion. The trip was 99.9% perfect!

We also met Richard and Sue Collette who booked with your company. They were very nice people and we ended up spending the entire week together with them.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks again for a wonderful trip to Galapagos and I look forward to working with you on a Peru trip.

1-3-2-767

Winnie and Woodie W.

Thanks for all your help! You made the trip more enjoyable through pulling everything together for us. It was a wonderful experience working with ExpeditionTrips.com; even though we only had 4 weeks lead-time, there were no problems. The trip more than met our expectations.

We knew so little about the Islands and now we are an 'authority' on birds, land and sea animals in the Galapagos Islands... and after only 6 days! And, we had a gracious staff - always most helpful.

My most memorable part was when we got on the wrong panga and were taken to the wrong boat on our first island visit. Our guide mistakenly told us to get on a certain panga and when we did we went to the Eric rather than the Flamingo. No problem, however, they just invited us to join them but finally we were taken to the Flamingo.

I was drawn to Antarctica by my love for wildlife and adventure. I've traveled in more that 40 countries and this was among the best yet. When my husband was asked why he was there he said, 'Because Winnie made me come'. However, he will never forget it and enjoyed it as much as I did.

Suggestions: Need a little more information from the boat crew regarding the departure from the ship and how and when. We were the only couple who left after 5 days so we had trouble understanding just how it was all to take place. Incidentally, it took us two buses, 5 planes and 30 hours to return home. Quite a trip for old folks but we would do it again in a second.

1-3-2-734

Christi B.

This was my second trip with ExpeditionTrips and it was once again an absolute pleasure. I'm amazed at everything that you were able to accomplish, it's a joy to work with your staff, and you have trips that go to all of the destinations we want to visit.

It was a relaxing and educational trip, one in which you learned not only of the plant and wildlife, but also of the history, customs, and geology of the Galapagos. We went in not sure what we were going to experience, but left with the fond memories of swimming with penguins, doing water ballet with sea turtles, and diving and playing with sea lions. Not only did we have great underwater memories, but being able to get so close to the birds and other land animals without them showing fear was awe-inspiring.

The ship exceeded my expectations. It was very clean, everywhere was easily accessible and it was just the right size--not too big and not too small to where you get a lot of rocking. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

From the moment we got on board till we said goodbye the expedition leader made sure that we learned as much as we could about all aspects of the Galapagos, answering any and all questions we had and seeing to it that people's needs were met.

The naturalists did a great job; though they had their individual specialties, they each had a potpourri of knowledge on the Galapagos. You could ask them just about anything and they would have the answer for you. They went slow enough on the hikes so that you could take pictures, or listen to the birds, and were there either in the water or not too far off in the Zodiacs while you were snorkeling in case you had a question about a sea turtle or one of the many thousands of tropical fish. The best part about the naturalists having so many specialties was that with each one you would get different background knowledge about one particular aspect of the Galapagos.

The Zodiac drivers were also really amazing -- they stayed right with you as you snorkeled, and pointed out both dangers and underwater wildlife that were right there in front of you. They also did an amazing job at finding land wildlife and getting you as close as they could in the Zodiacs.

The most memorable aspect of my trip was playing with the sea lions. It was so much fun getting to dive down and have them follow you -- I loved how they encouraged you to play with them by biting your flippers. There is nothing in our every day lives that could come close to equaling the amazement you have as they follow you around and invite you to experience their world.

1-3-2-735

Nancy C.

ExpeditionTrips was extremely helpful and attentive, especially considering the craziness of our last minute travel. Our Program Manager did a great job with follow-up and keeping in touch and worked with our hectic schedules. The customer service from start to end sells me on ExpeditionTrips. I started with you, researched others, and came back to you.

All in all, the cruise was wonderful and I would sail on the Isabela II again! The cruise was really great, with excellent organization and not a minute that went by without an activity. The ship's crew met us when they said they would, got us where we needed to go, and were very helpful. Juice and munchies upon return from excursions, drink services on the sundeck, chocolates on your pillow - the staff were just the best! The lectures were pretty good as well - those guys all work their tails off and always with a smile on their faces!

The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Rooms were cleaned immediately, the guys that ran the pangas were very helpful - they did all but carry me around while I was there. When snorkeling, you always had a guy looking out for you (and the environment, I'm sure). The one thing in service I would note is that of seating in the dining area. Since we came in the middle of the cruise, many people had 'staked' their claim on tables. And, being a party of 3 sitting together was sometimes a problem for us, but in the end we were happy to meet new people.

We also loved taking pictures with the iguanas - they are so cute! And the sound of the tortoises as they pull into their shells when you walked by - I felt a little bad about making them do that and tried to keep my distance but it was so fascinating.

Overall, the trip exceeded my expectations. Snorkeling with the penguins and the sea lions was a definite trip highlight.

1-3-2-736

Linda B.

Our Program Manager put together a fine trip which then had to be completely changed at the last minute. Her quick thinking and knowledge of the areas we would travel to not only salvaged the trip but vastly improved the itinerary. We appreciate all the extra efforts, and her expertise in the area and contacts for re-arranging everything were invaluable.

We will certainly think of ExpedtionTrips.com when we are next ready for an adventure such as this.

We returned home tired, somewhat bruised, and totally exhilarated by the trip. The three very different and unique environments were totally worth doing. It was somewhat of a challenge going from sea level to 9,000 feet in Quito as many times as we did, but we suffered no real effects other than a little lightheadedness and puffing in our Swissotel room each arrival evening.

The Amazon rainforest and a visit to an Achuar village and home gave us insight into a culture much different than our own. The Galapagos Islands are an awesomely beautiful place and a photographer's heaven.

Parranda and its crew were wonderful! With only 14 passengers and a small crew, we all bonded quickly and everyone helped out when it was needed. We loved coming back from shore excursions to find popcorn and other snacks waiting to give us an energy boost. The meals were great, too. We loved Parranda and now realize how fortunate we were to have her available.

1-3-2-765

Doug and Phyllis M.

The trip was great. I was very pleased. I thought the boat was great, the food was outstanding and our guide seemed to know everything about plants and animals and provided very interesting commentary. The crew was very accommodating and helpful.

They kept us busy and we enjoyed the options of snorkeling, swimming, trekking or just sitting. The land portion was cool, the jungle lodge was a lot of fun.

The only complaint at all was that at times there were diesel fumes in the cabins on the boat. It wasn't a concern when we were on deck, but at anchor you could smell the fumes. I think part of it is the size of the Parranda and I am not sure there is anything that could be done.

I know with the problems on the other boat canceling this wasn't easy to pull off, but I thought it all went great.

1-3-2-631

Chinworth Y.

I just wanted to send you a quick note. Thank you for your assistance in helping us with a great honeymoon trip to the Galapagos. It was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we won't ever forget.

Diving was amazing, playing with sea lions, schools of hammerheads, schools of fish as big as a 'million.' I saw a few Orca killer whales feeding frenzy, dolphins, penguins, etc. While the trip the week before us had 40 some odd whale shark sightings we were at least fortunate to see one. The land excursions were great, but it was definitely the right decision to go to Darwin/Wolf for diving as it is much better there.

Thanks again for your detailed advice and handling of our trip. We will certainly let any of our friends that consider future trips to Galapagos know to contact you.

1-3-2-863

Elmy B. and Gary M.

Your service was very honest. You gave us good information yet did not try to press us to take this cruise. The staff we were in contact with all had experience on this cruise ship and in Galapagos and therefore could provide first hand information. The trip exceeded our expectations in many ways. The entire service was excellent.

All questions were answered and all wishes (some even not verbalized yet) were fulfilled.

Juan the headwaiter took very good care of me with my dietary restrictions. At every meal he waited for me and explained all the food. Sofia helped me with snorkeling (I am claustrophobic). Willy even printed a recipe for me and had a T-Shirt laundered for me that I had stained on ships equipment. The only improvement would be dinner one hour earlier. Most days we finished eating at 8:30-8:45 and being tired from the day's activities we went to bed at 9:30.

The most memorable part of this expedition was definitely the wildlife!

1-3-2-641

Debbie B. and Family

We had such a fantastic trip to the Galapagos. Thank you for all that you did to make it such a wonderful adventure. It was a perfect mix of education, relaxation, exercise and awe. The ship was great - I will never again sail on a huge cruise liner. And the kids had lots of things to do, even without computers and video games.

We learned to be flexible when our flight was unable to land in Quito, and having never traveled to a South American country, we were so impressed with the service that was afforded us. Again, my thanks for all your help and recommendations. You had three very happy travelers!

1-3-2-685

Karen B. and Todd F.

We are BACK... What an absolutely AWESOME vacation in the Galapagos! And, it was FABULOUS working with ExpeditionTrips.com! We'd definitely book future trips. Thank you SO much for helping something wonderful to happen for us! Although I couldn't do everything because of my back, I did as much as I could.

And ... just sitting on the beach can be an adventure with mockingbirds, sea lions, and hermit crabs! For me (Karen), the most memorable part of the trip were the wonderful birds that would just walk up to (or over) you and show no fear. I'm a bird-person, and this was really special for me. For Todd, I think he enjoyed the whole thing!

We have recommended this trip to others many times. And, wait until we get our pictures! We'll be insufferable!

1-3-2-630

Bruce S.

I have returned from my trip to Galapagos and I wanted to let you know I had a great time on the Explorer II. I had always wanted to go to the Galapagos. Booking it by email made it very easy. ExpeditionTrips.com was very helpful, and I would book another trip. Thanks for your help in organizing my trip!

The cruise was totally organized and everyone on the ship was so helpful, friendly and informative. The guides were great and the crew was very well trained.

The food was also very well done with light choices and not excessive overeating portions. I have been on cruises in the past where it seems like their mission is to overindulge the travelers. The day in Quito was fun. I took a city tour. If I were organized better in advance I would have liked to take the trip to Cotopaxi volcano.

1-3-2-688

John and Marie G.

ExpeditionTrips was great and very helpful. Although they are on the other end of the country, we felt we were right next door! We would definitely book again with ExpeditionTrips. They gave us the right advice about traveling aboard the Polaris and we were thrilled with our experience!

We felt that the experience on the Polaris was great for our children and us. The guides were interested and attentive, the service was both professional and friendly, the excursions were perfectly planned and everything ran smoothly.

This trip exceeded our expectations... I don't think that the reading in brochures and travel books can fully convey just what an amazing place the Galapagos really is! The ship was what we expected, although a few more lounge chairs on the decks would have been great. The cushions on the decks chairs were also a bit dirty. The cabins, however, were very clean and the staff was extremely accommodating. The ship had an intimate feeling, even though there were 75 guests aboard.

The waiters in the dining room were always courteous, efficient and friendly. All of the crewmembers seemed to go out of their way to make the trip enjoyable for us. The Expedition Leader took time to reassure my son about snorkeling with sharks and she also taught my 7 year-old how to snorkel. We felt that the boat had tremendous range and the itinerary was designed to give us a real feeling for the Galapagos.

Our favorite part of the voyage was probably the boat detour, because they spotted a whale. It turned out to be an Orca whale, which is a rare sighting in the Galapagos. The adventure started as we were crossing the equator and the Expedition Leader's enthusiasm, fascination and outright joy over this sighting was so contagious... it was a party out there at 7:30 a.m.! The beauty of the island we were anchoring next to was breathtaking... (Fernandina) It was an absolutely amazing way to start a day!

The only way to improve on this trip is do it again! We were only disappointed when we went to the highlands and saw the turtles on the farm. We felt that was a bit contrived.

1-3-2-709

Lisa C. and Family

Our trip to the Galapagos is the best vacation our family has ever experienced. I was looking for a trip that my kids would always remember and truly enjoy. Our favorite vacations have always been active, outdoor trips. This was perfect! The animals really are right next to you and just doing their own thing.

I cant think of any other place that we could have had such a unique vacation.

The whole adventure was memorable, but probably the best part was the Discovery Dive that we were able to do. My son (age 12), daughter (age 15) and I were introduced to the world of scuba diving. We were accompanied by the dive instructor and had sea lions, sting rays and fish all around us.

The staff and crew were extremely helpful and always careful during the transfers between the ship and Zodiacs. The naturalist guides were knowledgeable and friendly and went above and beyond their duty when taking us around the Galapagos Islands.

I would definitely recommend this trip to others!

1-3-2-662

Carolyn and Robert C.

We've just returned from a fabulous week aboard the Polaris sailing around the Galapagos Islands. ExpeditionTrips did a great job advising us; we were on the perfect trip for us! With a crew of 60 and only 65 passengers, you can imagine how wonderful the service was.

The highlight of the trip was having Lynn Fowler, the head naturalist, and the other Ecuadorian naturalists, onboard. Their knowledge and love of this special place was extraordinary, and their enthusiasm infectious. I have traveled with many tour companies and have never been treated so well!

1-3-2-617

Michael S.

From the start to the end, ExpeditionTrips was so helpful a pleasure to deal with. Thanks again! It was a fantastic trip with great people and an incredibly welcoming, friendly crew. La Mirage was also brilliant - a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of Quito and the people of Cotacacci made us feel at ease as tourists.

1-3-2-627

Margaret M.

We just returned last night from our absolutely wonderful trip. Thank you so much for a well thought out and planned trip to Ecuador and Peru. The Explorer II was a treat and the land tours all worked out well. Much appreciation for everything you did to make this trip so memorable! Thank you!

1-3-2-614

Wally R.

My wife and I just got back last week from the trip that ExpeditionTrips.com had prepared for us to the Galapagos and Peru. We had a wonderful time, and everything went without a hitch. Our accommodations on the ship and the food in the Galapagos were excellent, the Machu Picchu hotel was wonderful, and our guide in Manu knowledgeable.

If you receive any other requests from birders, please recommend Carlos as a guide. He knew all the birds by call, and we were able to identify about 150 species in Manu. We will definitely book through you in the future. Thanks for everything!

1-3-2-613

Nancy S.

Everything went exactly as ExpeditionsTrips.com planned and we had a perfectly wonderful time. We will certainly keep your company in mind for our next adventure! The ship and guides were absolutely great. I think we were lucky to have the smaller ship.

The group on the Eric was very diverse -- kids, young professionals, middle age people and a few older people. I think it is always more interesting to talk to people of all ages. Everyone got along very well and really gelled after a while. Also, the guides were great -- they were knowledgeable and funny and we could learn as much or as little as we wanted to from them. The La Mirage Spa (on mainland Ecuador) was also outstanding!

1-3-5-603

Margie H.

Thank you so much for all the expert advise! Your personal knowledge of the Amazon helped to take away any fears I had and you went above and beyond by helping me keep my surprise birthday trip a secret. Thank you - your service was just perfect!

I am so glad you received our little gift - our way to say a big thank you for helping us to realise a dream - and what a way to go! The trip could not have been more perfect if we had tried for a million years.

John had absolutely no idea where he was going - he seemed to favour the Bahamas (boring!), but never in his wildest dreams did he think of the Amazon. In fact, three days before we left, we were out to dinner and he mentioned, jokingly, that with all the injections, etc. (although he never knew what the jabs were! - I swore EVERYONE to secrecy!), and the fact that I had asked him to pack a torch, that he might as well be going up the Amazon!!!! I nearly swallowed my teeth, but managed to show no sign of hysteria. He said after he knew where we were going that he only said that as it was the last place on earth he expected to be visiting. I packaged up a parcel for him with all the information you had sent me and gave this to him in the plane flying from Amsterdam to Miami. He could not believe his eyes when he read that we were actually going to the Amazon!

We saw 110 different species of birds during our trip, my favourite being the Black-tailed Trogon - we have only one trogon in South Africa and it is very elusive - have never seen one there so this was a highlight. Having said that, ALL the birds were wonderful and I personally fulfilled a dream of watching macaws flying overhead in the Amazon! The trees were also incredible and I'm pleased we were there when the river was still quite high. The sunsets were spectacular and John managed to get one exceptional picture where even the river looks as though it is molten gold!

We saw both river and pink dolphins and John managed to get some really good pics of both - very difficult as one doesn't know where they are going to pop up! Lots of sloths, tamarins, saki monkeys, squirrel monkeys, red howler monkeys, and a very good and unusual sighting of a night monkey peeping out of his/her hole in the tree! Caymans, iguanas, bats, the odd snake, but another highlight for me was seeing the capybara - quite a large group at the edge of a creek we were meandering along! Got caught in a good old Amazonian downpour - I have no idea how the driver of the skiff saw where he was going, but he got us back to the Amatista safely. All in all a wonderful time was had by John and myself and we will treasure the memories of this trip forever. Everyone (including all the passengers on the boat) want to know how he is going to top this trip with one for me when I turn 60!!! Speaking of his birthday, the chef baked him a special cake, the crew played their music for us in the dining room, and, most specially, we visited a village that morning and Roland (one of the guides) lined up all the little children and got them to sing Happy Birthday to John (of course, in Spanish) - the tears were flowing!!!

So, as you can see, it was an amazing adventure - everyone we have spoken to are very envious of our experience and think it was a fantastic idea of mine!! I am also interested to see what John comes up for me - I am sure it will be just as good, if not better (although that will be extremely difficult to accomplish) than our Amazon Adventure.

1-3-2-605

David and Pat B.

I would definitely recommend this trip to others this has been our favorite trip to date. The unparalleled access to diverse wildlife is not to be missed! It will set the standard for small, expedition cruising. It did for us!

The ship MV Polaris was just the right size and was very comfortable. Stairwells were steep though, so be prepared. There are a few overnight crossings with the potential for some open water motion but most of the time the ship is in protected waters. The day trips in zodiacs (known as Pangas in these waters) are a real treat.

The staff and crew could not have been better. My wife and I have limited diets and the kitchen worked around them flawlessly. The naturalists are experienced and knowledgeable, but best of all, enthusiastic. The ship also usually has a video chronicler on board who spends the waking hours documenting the people, activities and sightings during the trip.

My favorite, most memorable part of the adventure was swimming with sea lions! We traveled in November, so the waters are colder than in the summer, but this also means that the Penguins are in residence. We thought that was a fair trade and we're native Floridians and hate cold. But, this is the top of a long list of wildlife encounters and interactions that will leave you wanting more. This trip will spoil wildlife photographers.

If you are prone to seasickness, try the electronic Relief Band. It was first developed to help Chemotherapy patients deal with the nausea of treatment. It works wonderfully for seasickness and has made cruising possible for me. I easily slept through those overnight open water crossings. This is a lot better than drugs, which leave you tired and dry mouthed.

1-3-3-611

A.

ExpeditionTrips.com provides excellent service and advice! The trip was better than anticipated, wonderful accommodations, terrific guide full of knowledge and concern for our well being. We had planned a Galapagos trip and decided to visit Peru on the way. It turned out that the Peru part was actually the most wonderful part of the whole trip!

We were impressed with the choice of field trips, including the weavers at Chinchero, the orchids and birds at the Macchu Picchu Pueblo. Cusco was lovely, and there was a great balance of guided and free time.

1-3-2-642

Roland D.

I had a great time and a great adventure! This was not just a neat, sightseeing adventure, but also a truly educational experience. The ship met my expectations in every way. As usual the food was excellent and varied.

The Ecuadorian lunch was a special treat -- above all, the desserts, oh my!! The staff and crew all exceeded my expectations as well, especially in their exceptional and detailed knowledge. These folks are not just guides; they are all professionals pursuing the scientific knowledge as they work.

The expedition leader, Cindy Manning, was always and in every way accommodating, helpful, and tireless (including helping me with my Spanish). Most importantly, she is dedicated to the Galapagos, and was willing to say "no!" to guests who wanted to do things that could have been harmful to the environment there.

The most memorable part of the trip was the close encounters with the exotic wildlife (tame life?). To be only inches from a Blue-Footed Booby, a Giant Tortoise, or a Galapagos Hawk was truly exciting. Not to mention those beautiful (?) Marine Iguanas!! I also had the most fun climbing around Machu Picchu and enjoying the spectacular scenery of the high Andes.

I would definitely book with you again. You all have always had everything lined up like clockwork, and have always been wonderful to work with.

1-3-2-229

Marty and Jeffery D.

Working with ExpeditionTrips was very easy and very enjoyable. I'm not sure how I'd improve it. We had a fantastic time. The ship’s staff, guides and crew were fantastic - knowledgeable, approachable and always smiling and friendly. It was even better than we imagined. The luxury of the ship and staff were over the top for us. We would have been happy with even half the attention because of the grandeur of the destination.

1-3-2-228

Ronald O.

ExpeditionTrips has been wonderful, helpful and very easy to work with via the internet. You've got a great formula. Your timely response and information exchange was great. I cannot think of an area for improvement. I will definitely consider utilizing your services again should the opportunity arise.

1-3-2-703

Mary (Terri) L.

Definitely a positive experience working with ExpeditionTrips. My Program Manager was wonderful to work with. I appreciated that everything was done for us and that she provided plenty of information concerning what to do and how to handle things. We were better prepared than other passengers, especially for the Machu Picchu extension.

The Galapagos trip exceeded expectations. The ship was actually a little more 'luxurious' than I had envisioned and, of course, the main reason for choosing this tripthe naturalistswere wonderful. They made the trip complete. I felt the pace of the trip was easy, the various choices and opportunities in activities were great, and the number of voyagers was good.

This was my dream trip. I have attended every seminar, etc. at the Smithsonian & National Geographic here in DC and so when I turned 40 this year, I decided now or never. Most memorable...kayaking. Espanola Island was my favorite with all the sea lion pups and the courtship of the blue footed boobies, albatross, etc. We also watched a young hawk standing guard over the nests of two blue footed boobies. It was an interesting test of wills with a 'happy' outcome for the boobies. Because the schedule was so open ended, we were able to observe this for about a half hour or more until the hawk moved on.

I especially appreciated how open ended the itinerary was. If the naturalist/guide noticed something that he/she thought would be of interest, we would break away from the planned itinerary and move on to investigate. I was able to see some pretty interesting things that way. I am very sorry that I was not on the Zodiac that saw the Orca although we were notified on ship where to look and saw it all from afar. I also got to see a sea lion trying to eat his tuna with a huge flock of boobies, etc. fighting him for it. It was very interesting.

1-3-2-760

Terry D.

I found that Expedition staff returned e-mails in a timely manner, always answering questions posed, and behaved in a very businesslike manner. We would use ExpeditionTrips again for a future trip. Beluga ship was very clean, well maintained, and had a well trained helpful crew. The Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu trip was first class and exceeded our expectations.

1-3-2-773

Griggs I.

Advice, planning, details were all perfect... flight connections were solid, tour personnel met us for arrival & departure. Thank you ExpeditionTrips! As a naturalist/birdwatcher the Galapagos are a well -known world class destination. EACH day, each island, each snorkel was memorable. The brigantine, Mary-Anne was fabulous.. crew outstanding. That was one of MANY high points for me and my 12 & 14 yr grandsons. IF any travelers are going to Quito, a side trip to an eco-lodge in the Napo River is HIGHLY recomomended.

1-3-2-211

Paul and Jan M.

We have traveled quite a bit — to Europe, Africa, Mexico, S.E. Asia, Russia multiple times — plus throughout the states and elsewhere. We rate this trip among our very best. It was way beyond our expectations!

Stephen M.

My trip was a complete success and it was an entirely positive experience working with ExpeditionTrips. Everything seemed to be carefully planned out. I was very impressed. You should be proud that you and your whole organization did a wonderful job. It was a perfect trip. I always wanted the opportunity to travel and explore the Galapagos. I think the choice of a smaller group and motor yacht was the right move.

1-3-2-567

Deborah M.

My experience with ExpeditionTrips was terrific and I would book future trips with you. The trip was terrific. It exceeded my expectations. The level of service on the ship was terrific. The guides provided great information and lead some great tours. I especially liked when the guides snorkeled with us and pointed out the animals in the water. We loved seeing the wild animals both on the islands and in the water.

1-3-2-566

Tara M.

I am so grateful to ExpeditionTrips! We had such a great experience before and during our trip. We were really happy to have the full service that ExpeditionTrips provided. Planning the details ourselves would have been daunting having never been to Ecuador before. The whole trip was absolutely overwhelming and PERFECT.

The trip exceeded every expectation I had. And believe me, I've been dreaming about this trip my whole life so I had very high expectations! The guides on the ship were excellent. It was very evident how proud of the islands they were, not to mention how passionate one of the naturalists was about evolution and the role the islands played in formulating Darwin's theories on evolution and the origin of the species. Every day was remarkable and wonderful.